Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the functions which have been delegated to each Minister of State at his Department; the date on which the relevant order was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18930/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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There are two Ministers of State attached to my Department. Minister of State Frank Fahey was appointed by the Government on 29 September, 2004 with responsibility for equality matters, particularly disability.

A New National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010, was announced by the Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D. on 7 December last, in Budget 2006. Also announced was a landmark decision to create an Office of the Minister for Children, under the Minister for Children, Mr. Brian Lenihan, T.D. who will report directly to Cabinet on matters relating to children and their welfare. The New Programme is a key element of the National Childcare Strategy 2006 — 2010 to be implemented by the new Office of the Minister for Children. It is effective from 1 January 2006 and succeeds the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000 — 2006 which was run by my Department. The Youth Justice Service of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is also co-located at the new Office.