Vol. 525 No. 1
142 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on the progress of a national children's strategy; the reasons for the delay in its preparation; the outstanding issues to be resolved; when he expects to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23753/00]
Work in relation to the preparation of the national children's strategy is being completed. The Government approved the publication of the strategy on 24 October 2000 and it is proposed to formally launch the strategy on 13 November 2000. Further details in that regard will be announced shortly. A central aspect of the development of the strategy, which delayed completion somewhat, was a wide ranging public consultation process which included an innovative consultation with children. A report on the outcome of the consultation process was published in September.
