Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 19 February 2015

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children

Children and Youth Issues: Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

9:30 am

Dr. Fergal Lynch:

I can say something, if that would be of assistance. As the Minister said, we looked carefully at each of the reports produced by the special rapporteur and take them very seriously. We examine each report and then reach a conclusion. As the Minister has said, there are instances where we agree and others where we do not. I will try to be helpful on one area. Senator van Turnhout raised the question of a review of the Child Care Act. I confirm that we have done significant work on scoping a review of that Act. We have no argument that the Act needs significant review and amendment and we have put together a piece of work that I am examining currently. I expect to discuss this with the Minister shortly.