Vol. 492 No. 4
359 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to draft general framework guidelines for good childcare practice in youth organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14376/98]
The National Youth Work Advisory Committee, which was established under the Youth Work Act, 1997, and which has the statutory duty of advising me in relation to youth work, is currently examining the question of formulating child protection guidelines.
I would be anxious, to ensure that any initiative in this sphere would have regard to the leading role of the Department of Health and Children in regard to child protection and to the fact that the child abuse guidelines of that Department are currently under review.
