Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
141. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth following the publication of Better outcomes, Brighter futures Annual Report, the actions his Department is taking to address the findings of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35467/22]
View answerMy Department published the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures Annual Report 2020 on 20 January 2022. This is the final Annual Report under Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People (0-24), since the framework expired on 31 December 2020.
The Annual Report demonstrates that good progress was made under Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures. Of 163 commitments in the framework, 81% were reported as complete or ongoing, with 18% in progress and just 1% not being progressed. More importantly, the report highlights some of the key achievements under Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures during its lifetime from 2014-2020. The Annual Report offers several positive perspectives on implementation from the-then Secretary General of my Department, the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive, Chair of the National Advisory Council, and others.
My Department is now developing a new Policy Framework for Children and Young People (0-24) intended to cover the period 2023-2028. This annual report and the mid term review conducted in 2018, provides useful direction for this framework, which should retain the elements of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures which worked well, while addressing challenges. In particular, it will take on board the criticism of the range of low-level commitments in the previous framework, the need for streamlined implementation structures, and responding to emerging priorities or priorities where there are worsening challenges for children and young people, such as recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health and well-being.
