Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the national children's strategy implementation group last met; the current composition of the group; its current work plan; when it is next scheduled to meet; if she plans to attend that meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19829/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The National Children's Strategy Implementation Group last met on 9th June 2011. Its next meeting is scheduled to take place on 15th September 2011. Members of the group are drawn from government departments and statutory agencies with responsibilities for the provision of services that support children and their development. It also includes representatives of An Garda Síochána and a number of local authorities. I have arranged for full details of the twenty plus member group to be provided to the Deputy.

The National Children's Strategy Implementation Group has an important role to support the implementation of the national children's strategy to achieve better outcomes for children and young people. The group's work plan for 2011 prioritises supports for the development of the children's services committees throughout the country to ensure quality integrated service delivery for children and young people. There are now 10 local children's services committees in place with an additional 5 at the preparatory stage. It is planned to have 20 committees in place by the end of 2012. Promoting evidence based practice is also a priority focus in the group's approach to developing the local committees. The 3 year strategic plan for the Working Together for Children initiative guides the National Children's Strategy Implementation Group's work plans and is available on www.dcya.gov.ie .

I plan to meet the National Children's Strategy Implementation Group at an early date in the context of my plans for the new national children's strategy. I have asked my officials to make the necessary arrangements in consultation with the group.