Michael Ring
Question:175 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a Minister with sole responsibility for children will be appointed. [31387/01]
Vol. 546 No. 3
175 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a Minister with sole responsibility for children will be appointed. [31387/01]
176 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration which has been given to the appointment of a ministry for children; the examination which has been given to the role, remit and responsibility of the existing impact of the situation as it applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31850/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government's national children's strategy was launched by the Taoiseach last year. It maps out a plan to be implemented over the next ten years, which will provide a better way for everybody who is concerned with children's issues to work more effectively together for children and with children and their families.
During the development of the national children's strategy, careful consideration was given to the structures necessary to best implement the strategy. This involved consideration of the role of the Minister of State with responsibility for children and how to ensure better co-ordination between Departments.