Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she has set out her legislative agenda over the next five years; the extent to which she has identified inadequacies in the law to protect children and vulnerable adults; if she expects to put in place all necessary legislation identified as being required following various developments over the past number of years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32526/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I have an extensive legislative programme in the coming years to address a number of issues which fall within my remit as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

The preparation of legislation to put Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, as far as practicable, on a statutory basis, is underway following the approval of the Government to the preparation of the Heads of Bill and General Scheme on 12 July 2011.

The Child and Family Support Agency Bill is also a priority and a range of matters relating to the new agency, including consideration of the various functions to be discharged and associated governance arrangements, will be addressed in advance of the preparation of the Heads of Bill and General Scheme.

The drafting of a Children's Referendum Bill will follow the consideration by Government of a revised draft wording amending the Constitution to acknowledge and affirm the rights of children. This wording is currently being drafted by the Attorney General's Office in association with my Department and will be brought to Government as soon as this work is completed. Depending on the wording and the outcome of the Referendum, legislation may be necessary to give effect to the Constitutional amendment in relation to some matters.

The preparation of the Heads and General Scheme of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill are at an advanced stage. This Bill will include the provision of information in relation to adoptions to applicants and also for a tracing service to be provided, as appropriate.

My Department undertakes an ongoing watching brief in relation to matters which are under my remit as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and where issues arise and it is considered appropriate they be dealt with by way of legislation I will bring forward the necessary Bills for consideration by the Oireachtas.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not have responsibility for vulnerable adults.