Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Observations have been received on the draft heads of the children (amendment) Bill and they are currently under consideration. The Bill is expected to be published this year. There is ongoing consideration of the views of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children in respect of the Children First Bill, including significant policy, operational and legal issues. It is expected that this Bill will published this session. There are also other pieces of legislation which the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is bringing forward, including the child and family support agency Bill. Ongoing dialogue is under way with the Attorney General's office regarding further clarification of the functions and scope of this agency. It is expected that this Bill will be also be published this session. The child care (amendment) Bill is also due this session.

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