Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the functions which have, since the last general election, been delegated to Ministers of State at his Department by the Government under powers conferred on it by Section 2 (1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No.2) Act 1977; and the statutory instrument number of each such order. [22840/06]

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, T.D. was appointed by the Government on 29 September, 2004 with responsibility for equality matters, particularly disability. There is no Statutory Instrument in this regard.

Powers and duties were delegated to Mr. Brian Lenihan, T.D. under S.I. Number 474 of 2002. However, as the Deputy is aware, 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.