Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

[Deputy Frances Fitzgerald.]
Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
This reform agenda will lead to the establishment of a new Child and Family Support Agency
which will provide a dedicated focus on child protection and support families in need.
Proposed Legislation
72. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on
which she will introduce legislation to put Children First on a statutory footing; the date on
which she will publish the policy framework to implement this on a statutory basis; and if she
will make a statement on the matter. [8062/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The revised Children
First Guidance was launched by me in July 2011. Government approval to place the Children
First National Guidance on a statutory basis was given on 12 July 2011. Since then considerable
detailed policy examination of the best approach has been undertaken. Consultations have
been undertaken with a number of voluntary bodies and experts working in this field and I can
advise that the preparation of the Heads of Bill and General Scheme is underway. I will bring
these to Government at the earliest possible date. It is my intention to refer the Heads of Bill
to the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children for discussion in line with the commitment
to early consultation with committees set out in the Programme for Government.
The policy approach which is being developed is focused on the National Children First
Guidance published July 2011 and the promotion and well-being of children generally; the
provision of safe services for children; cooperation amongst professionals and organisations
where children are at risk of neglect and abuse and mandating key individuals to report child
abuse known to them. The latter objective is aimed at removing ambivalence, reluctance or
refusal by people and organisations in positions of trust and authority to report child abuse
and cooperate with the relevant authorities.
The policy is also bearing in mind other complementary legislative proposals to strengthen
child protection being brought forward by Minister Shatter, namely, the National Vetting
Bureau Bill and the Criminal Justice (Withholding Information on Crimes Against Children
and Intellectually Disabled Persons) Bill. I have taken the opportunity to consult informally
with a number of experts in relation to the development of the policy in this area. A key issue
for consideration is to maximise the engagement of adult volunteers with children across a
range of voluntary activities (i.e.sports, arts) whilst ensuring that that systems are put in place
to keep children safe. Formulating policy of this nature is complex. My aim is to develop a
legislative regime which is practical in terms of implementation; supportive of staff and volunteers
that work in children’s services; but which puts the safety of children as the paramount
consideration for all those working with children.
Juvenile Offenders
73. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of any
proposed interim options put to her by the Irish Youth Justice Service to end the practice of
sending children to St. Patrick’s Institution. [8059/12]
94. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on which
the practice of sending 16 and 17 year olds to St. Patrick’s Institution will end; and if she will
make a statement on the matter. [8058/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I propose to take
Questions Nos. 73 and 94 together.
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