Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013
554. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a list of the Acts or specific provisions of Acts under her Department that have not yet been commenced; if it is intended to commence the provision in each case; if so, when; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40594/13]
View answerThe Child Care (Amendment) Act, 2007 - Sections 5 - 13 have not been commenced. These sections are being repealed by the Child and Family Agency Bill. The intent of these provisions will be incorporated by way of Ministerial Order into the new Child and Family Agency Bill.
The following Parts of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011 have not been commenced:
- Part 2 (excepting sections 4, 7 and 26)
- Part 3
- Part 5
- Part 7 (excepting section 49).
It is my intention to commence these provisions in the near future.
The Youth Work Act was introduced in 2001 and outlines a number of structural arrangements for the organisation and administration of youth work policy and provision. To date, Sections 2-7, 17, 18 and 24 of the Act have been commenced. In particular, Sections 17 and 18 provide for the establishment of a National Youth Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC). In this regard, I appointed a new Advisory Committee with effect from 28 January 2013 for a period of one year.
My Department is developing a new strategy for children and young people. In keeping with my Department’s responsibilities for children and young people, this new five-year Children and Young People’s Policy Framework is being developed in a holistic way which will comprehend the continuum of the life-course from infancy through to early and middle childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. It will be the overarching Framework under which policy and services for children and young people will be developed and implemented in the State.
The overarching Framework will provide the basis for more detailed strategies including a new youth strategy. The youth strategy will aim to enhance the provision of youth services and activities and in making them more responsive to meeting the needs of young people, including in addressing the challenge of youth employment. I am currently consulting with the NYWAC in this regard. It is intended that the Youth Work Act, 2001 will be reviewed in the context of developing this strategy.
