70 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children when legislation will be published to place the Children First guidelines on a statutory footing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41894/10]

The Ryan Commission Implementation Plan contains a commitment to the drafting of legislation which will provide that all staff working with children employed by the State and in agencies in receipt of funding from the Exchequer will have: a duty to comply with the Children First National Guidelines; a duty to share relevant information in the best interests of the child and a duty to cooperate with other relevant services in the best interests of the child. The Government is committed to the preparation of this legislation and my Office is developing legislative proposals in this regard which I will bring to Government for approval.