I have an extensive legislative programme to address child protection issues which fall within my remit as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.
It is my intention to bring the Children First Bill before the Oireachtas for consideration during 2012. This legislation is required to put Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, as far as practicable, on a statutory basis.
The Child and Family Support Agency Bill is also a priority and a range of matters relating to the new agency, including consideration of the various functions to be discharged and associated governance arrangements, will be addressed in advance of the preparation of Heads and General Scheme. This legislation will provide for the establishment of the new Child and Family Support Agency which will be responsible for the delivery of services in the areas of child welfare, child protection and family support.
The Children's Referendum Bill will be drafted following the Government's approval of revised wording to amend the Constitution to acknowledge and affirm the rights of children. This wording is currently being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General in association with my Department and will be brought to Government as soon as the wording is finalised. It is the Government's intention to hold this very important Referendum this year and to publish an Adoption Bill in advance of the Referendum.