Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2007
82 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the national children’s strategy has been implemented in full; the sections of the strategy which remain to be implemented; the timescale of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5883/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Children's Strategy, Our Children — Their Lives, was published in November 2000 to bring a better focus and greater impact to Government activity in relation to children, through stronger leadership and co-ordination. The Strategy covers the period 2000 to 2010.
An independent mid-term review of progress on implementing the Strategy was carried out by the National Children's Advisory Council in 2006. This review acknowledged that significant progress had been made on many aspects of the Strategy but that a renewed impetus was required in certain areas.
The Office of the Minister for Children (OMC) was established in December 2005 to strengthen the structures which facilitate the implementation of the National Children's Strategy. The OMC is a cross-cutting Government office located in the Department of Health and Children which focuses on harmonising policy issues that affect children. It brings together key staff and functions regarding children's health and well being and policy functions concerning Youth Justice and Early Years Education.
A key objective for the OMC is to bring about more effective implementation of services and interventions for children at local level through cross-departmental and cross-agency working.
