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Sustainable Development Goals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020

Thursday, 30 July 2020

Questions (1001)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

1001. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way in which the commitment of Ireland to the sustainable development goals will be reflected in the Strategy and Work Plans 2020-2025; the way in which progress towards achieving the goals will be monitored and reported annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20048/20]

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Written answers

Ireland has adopted a 'whole-of-Government' approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with each Minister having responsibility for implementing individual SDG targets related to their functions. As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I  currently have responsibility for targets related to SDG 4.2. The transfer of disability, equality and inclusion to my Department will increase my role in and responsibility for SDG implementation.

SDG 4.2 states 'By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education'.

SDG 4.2 is reflected in my Department's current Statement of Strategy 2019-2021, and will also be included in the new Statement of Strategy which must be prepared following my appointment as Minister.  In accordance with the Public Service Management Act 1997 am annual report on implementation of the Statement of Strategy is also prepared. 

SDG 4.2 is also reflected in First 5, the whole-of-Government strategy for babies, young children and their families. First 5 was published in November 2018, includes over 150 actions covering a broad a range of measures to support families given their fundamental importance in shaping children’s experiences and outcomes. The First 5 Implementation Plan, published in May 2019, sets out how these actions will be progressed in the coming three years. A First 5 Implementation Report will be published on an annual basis. Owing to COVID-19, the First 5 Annual Implementation Report 2019 was delayed. However, it is planned to publish this in Q4 2020.

SDG 17.7 is reflected in Ireland’s work to promote and encourage the voice of children and young people in decision making in line with Ireland’s committee to implement Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In this regard DCYA leads on Ireland’s National Strategy for Children and Young People's Participation in Decision Making, 2015-2020, a constituent strategy of Better Outcomes, Brighter Future. Implementation and governance for the Participation Strategy lies within the overall BOBF Structures and in addition the DCYA has established an implementation network for the key Depts and Agencies with responsibilities under the strategy. Comhairle na nÓg, Comhairle na nÓg National Executive and Dáil na nÓg all operate as permanent youth participation structures to give children and young people a voice in policy decision making both nationally and locally. These strucutres are very often added to or complimented with additional participation initiatives as relevant to the policy focus. The Strategy Implementation group, comprised of nominees across a range of Government Departments and Agencies met in July 2020 to examine and review a new pilot National Participation Framework.

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