Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will acknowledge that this is the first occasion on which we are placing, via child protection legislation, a strong and explicit obligation on particular bodies to promote inter-agency co-operation. This is being done for the very reasons outlined by the Deputy. There has been a gap and there was no statutory underpinning to support inter-agency co-operation. We are putting in place a strong statutory provision which states: "The Agency shall promote enhanced inter-agency cooperation to ensure that services for children are co-ordinated and provide an integrated response to the needs of children and their families". In addition, section 8(6) states: "The Agency shall collaborate with any person that the Agency considers appropriate in relation to any matter connected to the Agency’s functions". Therefore, collaboration is also facilitated. The various reports to which Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin referred highlighted the fact that services for children were not co-ordinated.

As indicated, this is the first occasion on which a provision of this nature is being made in child protection legislation. I am making this provision on foot of the discussions in which we have engaged and as a result of the various reports which have been compiled and which clearly show that while many people were working with families, they were not working closely with and co-operating with each other. In section 8(8) the word "shall" which is very strong is used and there is a clear statement on the need to co-operate. In addition, it is stated the agency will promote enhanced inter-agency co-operation. I understand the Deputy's approach to this matter, but I remain strongly of the view that the word "promote" is very broad, strong and proactive in meaning. It will give rise to the outcome we are seeking, namely, inter-agency co-operation.