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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 1

Written Answers. - Family Support Services.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

94 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the support planned and in place to support positive parenting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29059/03]

Strengthening families and the promotion of continuity and stability in family life, the welfare of children and support and affirmation for parents in carrying out their important child rearing responsibilities are core features of the Government's pro-families policy approach. The importance of accessible information about parenting issues and child development to strengthen the capacity of families in carrying out their essential functions of caring for children was highlighted by the commission on the family. Under my Department's families research programme a research project entitled Effective Parenting – An Exploration of Need was commissioned. The study involved 1,000 parents and 200 children and provides a comprehensive report of parents' perspectives on their parenting role and the support available to them within their own family network, in their community and through family support services. The report recommends that the Family Support Agency would have specific responsibility to provide appropriate general and targeted information on parenting issues.

The agency, which was established in May 2003, brings together a range of family and community supports and services which were developed by the Government over the past number of years. Its responsibilities include promoting and disseminating information about a range of issues affecting families. Key among these is the provision of information in relation to parenting. It is also charged with co-operating with other public authorities in providing information to assist persons in balancing their work and family responsibilities. I am currently examining the Family Support Agency's draft strategic plan which sets out its strategies for fulfilling the functions for which it has been given responsibility.
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