Vol. 483 No. 4
47 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he has received the Report of the Commission on the Family; if not, when it is expected that the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20459/97]
The Commission on the Family was set up by the Minister for Social Welfare in October 1995 to make recommendations to the Government on proposals which would strengthen the capacity of families to carry out their functions in a changing economic and social environment.
The thrust of the commission's work, which is now nearing completion, is to provide the basis for the development of an integrated "Family Policy" to strengthen and assist families in coping with change and to put in place the supports to prevent family breakdown.
I understand that the commission will be in a position to present its report within the next few weeks, before Christmas. It is my intention to submit the commission's report to Government with a view to publication as soon as possible thereafter.
