Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
333. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to establish a National Child Care Act Advisory Committee prior to the passing of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2024; what preparatory work is ongoing in terms of scoping the issues for the Committee's workplan before it is established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3508/24]
View answerFollowing consideration of the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee, arising from the pre-legislative scrutiny process, I asked my officials to reconsider Head 11 and the role of the proposed Committee. On foot of this process, I have approved, in principle, a strengthened role for the Advisory Committee, and my officials are liaising with OPC in relation to our updated policy instructions.
It is intended that this Committee will be an effective mechanism for all relevant Government Departments and State agencies who deliver services to families and children (in care and in aftercare) known to Tusla, to work together efficiently, effectively and in the best interest of the children concerned within the context of their existing statutory powers and responsibilities.
My intention is to provide for a problem solving mechanism, which operates in a spirit of shared responsibility for the welfare of the children concerned, and a requirement to work together in the best interests of those children.
In taking this revised approach, I am seeking to ensure that the Committee will be a responsive body that can react quickly to situations and challenges as they arise. In additional to problem solving immediate issues, it is envisaged that the Committee would have a role in considering larger structural, or systemic issues, which will require longer term solutions, and that it would have the authority to make proposals to address these.
It is my intention to progress the enactment of the Bill as expeditiously as possible.
