Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is aware that the Children First national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children are being implemented nationally. This is a scheme to help those who suffer disadvantage and those on the margins, right across the range of services. The National Children's Office and the various Departments are actively engaged in meeting the needs and requirements of children. This strategy incorporates programmes such as the DEIS project, the new action plan for educational inclusion.

I answered the Deputy's question on the medical card guidelines. Eligibility has increased to 1.4 million and an additional 140,000 cards have been issued this year. The Tánaiste has enhanced the scheme to better facilitate the provision for children and we will continue to implement improvements in this regard.

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