Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

On foot of the publication of the legislative programme, the signalled intent regarding the legislation that traditionally has come under the responsibility of the Department of Health and Children makes clear that it is continuing under the aegis of that Department. I for one, greatly welcome the new Government's decision to set up a new Department for children. How soon does the Tánaiste expect the new Minister with responsibility for children to have a full Department whereby questions, legislation and all other responsibilities will fall directly under the ambit and responsibility of the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald? This is hugely important and in that context, I refer to the comparative status of the autumn legislative programme and the current commitment of the Government in its legislative programme. For example, in the case of the children first Bill, formerly the Ryan implementation Bill, the previous Government indicated in its last legislative programme that publication was expected in 2011. However, in the first legislative programme published by the new Government, the wording used is that "it is not possible to indicate". The same applies in respect of the national vetting bureau Bill. Although publication was expected in 2011 according to the former Government's last legislative programme, the new Government's first programme indicates "it is not possible to indicate". Many of the Tánaiste's colleagues on the Front Bench and certainly Deputy Howlin, were hard-working industrious members of the committee that produced the first report that led to this legislation. However, Members now have no certainty that it will be presented in the current year. This row-back is a cause of great concern. Consequently, the Tánaiste should indicate when the new Department of children will be in situ. Moreover, when will legislation in respect of children's issues be addressed in a real and thorough way? What is the position regarding the aforementioned Bills that were promised in this year by the former Government but about which the present Administration is not in a position to indicate? This includes a third Bill on children, namely, the children (establishment of child welfare and protection agency) Bill, which again is listed as being not possible to indicate.

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