Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns voiced by the Ombudsman for Children with regard to certain provisions of the Criminal Justice Bill 2004; if he has initiated a dialogue with the Ombudsman for Children in relation to these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15697/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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In December 2005, as part of a wider package of youth justice reforms, the Government approved the drafting of official amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 which will amend the Children Act 2001. The amendments were forwarded to the Ombudsman for Children on 20 December last. The Ombudsman submitted detailed advice concerning the proposed changes to the Children Act to my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on 5 April 2006, which he has brought to my attention. The Minister of State and I are carefully considering the Ombudsman's advice and I will table further amendments to take account of her advice where they are deemed to be necessary.