Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2015
15. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware of the Hands Up For Children campaign recently launched by the Prevention and Early Intervention Network, and if he will explore how to ensure that prevention and early intervention is a core commitment in the delivery of the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures policy framework. [20491/15]
View answerI support the Hands Up for Children Campaign organised by the Prevention and Early Intervention Network. It is critical that we are in a position to intervene where required, whether, at a young age, or early in the onset of difficulties, or at points of known increased vulnerability such as school transitions, adolescence and parenthood. Early intervention plays an important role in ensuring that children and young people achieve their full potential.
The importance of promoting prevention and early intervention for the Government is demonstrated by Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures which was launched in 2014. The document is the first overarching national policy framework which covers the age ranges of children and young people 0 – 24 years.
Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures puts the everyday lives of children and young people at its centre and requires Government Departments and State agencies to work together in an integrated way along with non-government organisations to achieve better outcomes for children and young people.
Prevention and early intervention is a very important element of this Framework. As part of the process of structuring a work plan for 2015, Better Outcomes Brighter Futures 'sponsor' Departments were requested to identify a cross-sectoral priority for this. My Department identified 'prevention and early intervention' as our key cross-sectoral priority. Officials in my Department have met with representatives of the Prevention and Early Intervention Network (PEIN) and welcome on-going engagement and support in advancing the theme of Prevention and Early Intervention so that we can collectively ensure better outcomes for our children and young people.
