Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 4

Written Answers. - Report of the Commission on the Family.

Liz McManus

Question:

45 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he has received the report of the Commission on the Family which he indicated to Dáil Éireann on 26 November 1997 was expected prior to Christmas, if the report has been submitted to the Government; when it is intended to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2562/98]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I understand that the Commission on the Family will finalise its report over the coming weeks. I intend to submit it to Government with a view to publication as soon as possible.

I have been advised by the commission that the report contains a comprehensive analysis of issues affecting families. The recommendations will provide the basis for the development of an integrated "family policy" to strengthen and assist families in coping with change and to put in place the supports to prevent family breakdown. In addition, the commission has undertaken some original and significant research work which will be of benefit to analysts and policy makers, including a national survey of the child care arrangements which families make, sociological research on fathers and their role in family life and an overview of family policy in Ireland.

The commission brought forward some aspects of the final report for consideration in the context of preparations for the 1998 budget. In response to the commission's recommendations, the Government has provided significant allocations for the development of family services in my Department in 1998 including £700,000 for the phased introduction of a network of Family and Community Services Resource Centres (25 centres in 1998); an extra £600,000 for marriage counselling services bringing the total provision in 1998 to £1.5 million; an extra £600,000 for the Family Mediation Service for the establishment of additional centres towards the development of a national service, bringing the total provision to £900,000; and £850,000 for a new family affairs unit in my Department to co-ordinate family policy, pursue the findings in the commission's final report, undertake research and promote awareness about family issues. In addition the new unit will have responsibility for a number of family services including support for the marriage and child counselling services, the Family Mediation Service, provision of improved support at local level to families and a new information programme on parenting issues.

I look forward to receiving the commission's final report in the near future.