Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the legislation required to establish the new Child and Family Support Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49583/12]

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline to Dáil Éireann the timeframe, structure and other details of the establishment of a new Child Protection Agency; if it will involve negotiating with Social Workers and other professionals’ Trade Union and representative groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49667/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 571 and 575 together.

Work is proceeding as a priority of Government on the preparation of the legislation necessary to give effect to the establishment of a new Child and Family Support Agency. The intention, subject to the passing of the legislation, is that the new Agency will be established in January 2013.

My Department is working closely with staff representatives in preparation for the establishment of the new Agency. I very much welcome the support of the unions for this process and their commitment to work constructively with management to improve outcomes for children through the creation of a high performing, properly resourced and fully functioning agency for children and families.

I am firmly committed to the transformation of Ireland’s child protection and welfare services, and confident that the establishment of the Agency will bring a dedicated focus to child protection, family support and other key children’s services for the first time in the history of the State. The new Agency and the wider transformation of children's services represents the largest, and most ambitious, areas of public sector of reform embarked upon by this Government.