Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the location she exercised her responsibility in protecting the rights of the child, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Ireland is a signatory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30005/07]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The development and implementation of the National Children's Strategy 2000-2010 was the first step in bringing greater coherence to policy making for children and young people. In December 2005, the Government established Office of the Minister for Children (OMC) to support the further implementation of the Strategy with a particular emphasis on the better co-ordination of cross-government initiatives and activities. As Minister for Children, I have delegated functions in three government departments and attend meetings of the Cabinet on a regular basis. In that capacity I make observations on all decisions put before the government. My observations are guided by the impact, direct or indirect, of those decisions on the lives of children and young people. My assessment includes consideration of each decision in terms of the overall coherence of policy and legislative provisions relating to children and young people as well as Ireland's international commitments. These international commitments include the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child which Ireland signed and ratified in 1992.