Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
549. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline in tabular form the commitments in the Programme for Government pertaining to her ministerial portfolio; the current status of these commitments in terms of implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42874/12]
View answerIn March 2012, the Government published the first Annual Report in relation to the Programme for Government and it is the intention of the Government to publish the second Annual Report in March 2013, which will set out specific progress on implementation during the second year. My Department's commitments in the programme for Government and their status is as follows.
Programme for Government Actions to be Led by Department of Children and Youth Affairs
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Programme for Government Commitment |
Status |
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A referendum to amend the Constitution to ensure that children’s rights are strengthened, along the lines recommended by the All-Party Oireachtas committee. |
Referendum to be held on Saturday 10 November. |
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We will maintain the free pre-school year in Early Childhood Care and Education to promote the best outcomes for children and families. We will improve the quality of the pre-school year by implementing standards and reviewing training options. |
In Progress. Additional funding secured in Budget 2012 to maintain the free pre school year in light of increased demand due to increased birth rates |
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As resources allow, this Government will invest in a targeted early childhood education programme for disadvantaged children, building on existing targeted pre-school supports for families most in need of assistance such as the young Ballymun project. |
In Progress. To be considered as a part of Ireland's first early years strategy which is currently under preparation. |
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We will end the practice of sending children to St. Patrick’s Institution. |
In March 2012 I announced a €51 million redevelopment of National Children Detention facilities at Oberstown Co. Dublin, to facilitate the ending of the practice of detaining under 18 year olds in St. Patrick's Institution. In the interim I have signed an order ending the detention of 16 year olds in St. Patrick's Institution. |
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We will fundamentally reform the delivery of child protection services by removing child welfare and protection from the HSE and creating a dedicated Child Welfare and Protection Agency, reforming the model of service delivery and improving accountability to the Dáil. |
Report of the Taskforce on the Child and Family Support Agency published in July 2012. Legislation to establish Agency to be published and enacted in the current Dáil term. |
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We are committed to implementing the recommendations of the Ryan Report including putting the Children First Guidelines on a statutory footing and legislating for the use of “soft information”. |
In Progress. Draft heads of Children First Bill published in March 2012 ahead of consideration by Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children. Committee has issued a comprehensive report which is currently being considered by my Department ahead of publication of the Bill. |
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We will enact legislation to consolidate and reform the law on adoption. |
In Progress. Draft Adoption (Amendment) Bill published. Work continuing on Adoption (Tracing and Information) Bill. |
