Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to set up a child and family support agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26081/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I recently established the Task Force on the Child and Family Support Agency under the chairmanship of Ms Maureen Lynott. The inaugural meeting took place on September 15th last, and the second meeting was held just last week.

The Task Force will advise my Department in regard to the necessary transition programme to establish a Child and Family Support Agency, and will base its work on best practice in child welfare, family support and public administration; consistent with the Government's public sector reform agenda.

In relation to the Agency it has been asked to:

· Propose a vision and the principles to guide operations;

· Advise on the appropriate service responsibilities, and the delivery of same;

· Review existing financial, staffing and corporate resources; and propose a methodology for resource allocation;

· Propose an organisational design and operating child welfare and protection service model;

· Prepare a detailed implementation plan;

· Identify the main priorities and core relationships required;

· Oversee the implementation and monitor progress, pending establishment of the Agency.

The Task Force is currently finalising a detailed work programme and has established a number of sub-groups to assist it in its work. It is envisaged that the Task Force will meet on a fortnightly basis with sub-groups meeting in between. The Task Force's work will inform preparations for the new Agency, including the drafting of legislation.