asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed to introduce a new Children Bill; and if he will outline the area to be covered under this Bill.

I hope to be in a position to introduce a comprehensive new Children Bill before the end of the next session of Dáil Éireann. However, as I am still in the course of examining the draft prepared by my Department and will subsequently have to seek Government approval to my proposals, I am not now in a position to give the Deputy more than a general outline of the contents of the Bill.

The major changes proposed are: the imposition on the health boards of clear-cut responsibility for a wide range of child care services; the creation of powers to regulate playgroups, creches and nursery schools; the transfer from the Minister for Education to the Minister for Health of responsibility for children's residential centres, special schools and the supervision of school attendance; an increase in the age of criminal responsibility; improvements in the juvenile justice system with greater participation by health boards; the strengthening of the powers of intervention by health boards where children are at risk; and control of the sale of solvents.

Will the Minister confirm that the draft Bill was circulated to all Departments before the previous government left office? Secondly, will he consider the proposed Bill as a matter of urgency?

I readily confirm that the draft Bill was circulated to the other Government Departments. I am reexamining in particular the age of responsibility as outlined in the draft Government memorandum. I will do my utmost to expedite the passage of the Bill.