Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to inform the committee that I intend to table an amendment in respect of section 1 on Report Stage which will correct an error in the drafting of the section. The Minister referred to in this section of the Bill is the Minister for Education and Skills when, in fact, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has responsibility for the functions of the educational welfare service. As the committee knows, these powers transferred to my Department on the commencement of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013.

I will of course continue to work closely with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, in respect of all matters relating to Tusla's educational welfare service in order to ensure that every child in the State is provided with a high quality education to allow each and every one of them to meet their potential. I know full well that is also the intention of my colleagues, including Senator Ó Ríordáin who is sponsoring the Bill. I appreciate that very much.