David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 269: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to establish the national children's office as an independent statutory body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32743/05]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The national children's office, NCO, is a cross-cutting Government office established in 2001 to improve all aspects of children's lives by leading and supporting the implementation of the national children's strategy. The implementation of the strategy is spearheaded by the Minister of State with responsibility for children who reports to the Cabinet committee on children. The head of the NCO reports to the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children. The NCO also has an advisory board of senior officials from Departments involved in implementing the strategy. There are no plans to establish the office as an independent statutory body.