asked the Minister for Health the present position with regard to the preparation of proposed children's legislation; and the date on which it is intended to introduce the proposed legislation in the Dáil.
Written Answers. - Child Care Legislation.
457.
It is intended to bring forward a series of Bills which will update and extend our child care legislation.
My Department has completed work on the general scheme of the first of these Bills and is now engaged in consultations with relevant Departments prior to its submission to Government. The Bill will strengthen the law in relation to the care and protection of children. Assuming Government approval to my proposals, I expect to be in a position to introduce this Bill early in the New Year.
A second Bill will revise the adoption laws in the light of the recent report and recommendations of the Review Committee on Adoption Services. The report is now being examined by my Department and the other Departments concerned. As soon as this examination is complete, I intend to seek Government approval to the drafting of a Bill to amend the Adoption Acts.
The Government is also committed to bringing forward revised measures in relation to young offenders and this will be the subject of a third Bill.