Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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172. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has agreed to a duty of cooperation with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Tusla in the provision of education for children in care, as drafted by the new additions to the Child Care Act 1991. [7077/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department’s Statement of Strategy, sets out the vision and mission of the Department for an educational system where every child and young person, including children and young people in care, feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential. It is vital that our school system is open and welcoming for all children and young people, regardless of background, and that all learners are supported to achieve their full potential.

Under the Child Care (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability and Youth plans to establish a National Child Care Advisory Committee to be an effective mechanism for all relevant Government Departments and State agencies who deliver services to families and children (in care and in aftercare) known to Tusla, to work together efficiently, effectively and in the best interest of the children concerned within the context of their existing statutory powers and responsibilities.

My officials are available to work with colleagues in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Youth and across other relevant Government Departments and agencies in relation to the work plan of this proposed new Committee.