Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

They are not promised but, to be helpful, the Minister of State with responsibility for children in the context of the review that arises as a result of the case will take into account everything to improve the position for the future, which may involve putting the Children First guidelines on a statutory basis. That must be determined. However, doing so could be problematic in terms of placing extensive administrative burdens on relevant bodies and organisations and slowing the notification process. Where a statutory arrangement is in place, there is anecdotal and research evidence that such problems have been encountered.

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