Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
569. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans regarding progressing a new framework in respect of the Policy Framework for Children and Young People that was due to expire in 2020; and the timeline for same. [23855/21]
View answerBetter Outcomes, Brighter Futures – The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, 2014-2020 concluded at the end of 2020. A final Annual Report for 2020 is due for publication by the year end.
Progression of a new framework, policy successor to Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, has been delayed until 2022. This decision has been made in light of Covid-19, and two significant initiatives the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will progress in 2021. These are, namely, implementation of the EU Child Guarantee and development of Ireland’s reporting to the United Nations Children’s Rights Convention. It is envisaged that both of these initiatives, and the impacts of the pandemic, will inform the priorities to be addressed in the successor to Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures.
This decision was taken in agreement with the National Advisory Council for Children and Young People. The National Advisory Council will be retained throughout 2021 to support the work of the Department in assessing the implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures.
