Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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142. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will support the Hands Up for Children campaign in order to deliver on the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17181/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I support the Hands Up for Children Campaign organised by the Prevention and Early Intervention Network with regard to the importance of prevention and early intervention. It is critical that we are in a position to intervene where required at a young age, or early in the onset of difficulties, or at points of known increased vulnerability such as school transitions, adolescence and parenthood. Early intervention plays an important role in ensuring that children and young people achieve their full potential.

The importance of promoting prevention and early intervention for the Government is demonstrated byBetter Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People (2014-2020)which was launched in 2014. The Framework is the first overarching national policy framework which comprehends the age ranges of children and young people 0 – 24 years.

Better Outcomes, Brighter Futuresputs the everyday lives of children and young people at its centre and requires Government Departments and State agencies to work together in an integrated way along with non-government organisations to achieve better outcomes for children and young people.

Prevention and early intervention is a very important element of this Framework. As part of the process of structuring a work plan for 2015, Better Outcomes Brighter Futures 'sponsor' Departments were requested to identify a cross-sectoral priority for this. My Department identified 'prevention and early intervention' as our key cross-sectoral priority. Officials in my Department have met with representatives of the Prevention and Early Intervention Network (PEIN) and welcome on-going engagement and support in advancing the theme of Prevention and Early Intervention so that we can collectively ensure better outcomes for our children and young people.