Vol. 488 No. 5
118 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures, if any, he has taken to ensure effective inter-agency co-operation in the management of children at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6807/98]
The Government has made a Delegation of Functions Order conferring on the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Fahey) the powers and duties of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform by or under the Children Acts, 1908 to 1989. A senior official in my Department has been designated to work to the Minister of State in respect of the areas of responsibility assigned to him at the Department. The main area of responsibility of the Minister of State at my Department will be the Children Bill, 1996 — recently restored to the Order Paper — which contains provisions relevant to the Departments of Health and Children and Education and Science as well as to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
