Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the details of all administrative responsibilities which will be solely under the direction of the Minister for Children. [5243/11]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the instructions he has given concerning the formal establishment of his Department and the time scales likely to be involved. [5381/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 342 together.

Transfers of Departmental functions are carried out by Government Order under powers contained in section 6(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1939, while in some cases primary legislation may be needed. My officials, in co-operation with officials who will be assigned to the new Department of Children, are fully engaged in this task at present.

Relevant instruments will need to be finalised and settled in the Office of Parliamentary Counsel before they can be brought to Government and until all the relevant details are worked out, it is not possible to provide full details of the responsibilities and functions that will be allocated to the new Department.