asked the Taoiseach if it is his intention to give one Government Department responsibility for children in care; and, if not, why.

In accordance with a Government decision in October, 1974, the Minister for Health has the main responsibility, including that of co-ordination, in relation to child care.

Pending receipt and consideration of the final report of the task force on child care services, it would not be appropriate to make any major change in the existing statutory arrangements.

Can the Taoiseach say how long we will have to wait for this report from the task force?

I cannot say but, as the Deputy is probably aware, there was an interim report and arising out of that the main responsibility was transferred to the Minister for Health. Two other Departments are principally involved, Education and Justice, and the task force is considering the position at present. I cannot say when it will report but I hope it will not be too long.

The Taoiseach is aware that the interim report has not been implemented substantially. May we take it that when the final report is available one Department will be given responsibility for children in care?

I would hope so, but there may be certain difficulties of either an administrative or legal character that involve these other Departments. The aim was to transfer it to one Department and the task force is considering how that can be done.

I think the Tánaiste has indicated that he would like this situation to come about. Could the Taoiseach give us his own considered opinion on the matter? Would he accept that the idea is a good one and, as Taoiseach, would he encourage the realisation of this objective?

As the Deputy knows, the Government took the decision to transfer responsibility to the Minister for Health. Up to that it had been shared between three Departments. A number of factors are involved and it was felt that a task force or inter-departmental body should examine the matter and that is what the task force is doing.