Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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288. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she expects to publish the heads of a Bill for the Child Care (Amendment) Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3299/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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As you the Deputy will be aware, my Department has been working to develop proposals for the reform of Guardian ad litemarrangements in child care proceedings under the Child Care Act, 1991. The public consultation carried out by my Department with a wide range of stakeholders has informed the development of policy proposals in this regard.

I am pleased to advise you that on 17 January, Government approved the draft Heads and General Scheme of a Bill to bring about significant reforms in this important area and that this is now available on my Department’s website. I intend to submit the General Scheme immediately to the Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs for pre-legislative scrutiny.