Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 July 2014
330. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide in tabular form those Acts currently in force for which he has lead responsibility that have parts or sections yet to be formally commenced; the details or purpose of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31998/14]
View answerThe Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011 is the only Act for which I have lead responsibility that has parts yet to be formally commenced. Part 3 and 5 and a number of sections in Part 2 and 7 of the Act remain to be commenced. A substantial element of the uncommenced sections relates to provisions for special care.
Given the legislative framework utilised to manage the interaction between the Child Care Act 1991 and the Health Act 2007, in relation to special care provisions, Regulations to be made by the Minister for Health under the Health Act 2007 are required in advance of the commencement of these sections. Work is at an advanced stage in my Department in drafting the required Regulations for Special Care Units. I would hope to have the Regulations finalised in the near future, and shortly thereafter to draft a commencement order for the relevant sections of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011.
Other sections of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011 that are not yet in force are being kept under review as to their commencement in association with relevant policy and service developments.
