In order to deliver key commitments in relation to children and young people and to put in place a unified framework of policy, legislation and provision across Government in respect of children and young people, it is necessary to commission reports from time to time. My Department ensures that all reports commissioned are of direct relevance to our operational and policy commitments. My Department is currently compiling the information requested by the Deputy and I will forward this information directly to the Deputy. As my Department was established on 2 June 2011 information will be provided from that date.
Up to 31 December 2013 my Department also funded the Family Support Agency and the National Educational Welfare Board. The new Child and Family Agency, which was established on 1 January, 2014, now has responsibility for the provision of these services along with children and family services previously delivered by the HSE. Records relating to reports/reviews/studies commissioned in the relevant period by the Family Support Agency and the National Educational Welfare Board are now held by the Child and Family Agency. I am requesting that the Agency forward the requested information, along with information concerning any reports/reviews/studies it has commissioned, directly to the Deputy as soon as possible. I am also requesting that the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children supply the requested information, in so far as it applies to those bodies, directly to the Deputy.
