asked the Minister for Education if, in the light of the concern expressed by the WUI regarding child justice and in view of the inter-departmental committee set up to consider the provision of legislative and other measures of reform in this field and which completed its task in 1970, he will make a statement on the progress made in this area since his reply of 27th June, 1973.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Child Justice.
31.
Since the reply of 23rd June, 1973, to which the Deputy refers, there has been a fairly lengthy reply of 3rd December, 1974 —Official Report, columns 619 to 625.
The task force set up by the Tánaiste, following a decision of the Government, to report to him in regard to the reform of child care legislation and services will doubtless be dealing further with the matters which are of concern to the WUI.
I tried to frame my question to indicate that a long period has elapsed since the first report was issued. Surely the Minister must agree that this matter has been on the long finger for a considerable period? Can he give some assurance that there will be some positive legislative action in the next session?
The inter-departmental committee to which the Deputy has referred is the Committee on the Industrial and Reformatory Schools System—the Kennedy Committee—which reported in 1970. Progress since then has been limited principally to the undertaking of building work on additional group homes and the extension of the training course at the Cathal Brugha school. The homes I have referred to are in every part of the country.
Will the Minister state when there will be legislative reform in this area?
The task force set up in November, 1974 by the Tánaiste is the task force who recommend on this matter. The Government will be adverting to their recommendations in the near future.
Is that the report where one of the members said there was no money?
Many things are said for which there is no substance.
I am calling Question No. 32.