FF slam Children's Minister over delay in legislation

Fianna Fáil is accusing the Children's Minister, Frances Fitzgerald, of putting children at risk by delaying the publication of two key pieces of childcare legislation.

Minister Fitzgerald promised to publish the Children First Legislation and establish the Child and Family Support Agency more than 12 months ago.

Under the bill, it would be the legal responsibility of every adult to report to authorities if they suspect the child is in danger or at risk.

Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on children, Robert Troy, said it is vital that the legislation is enacted quickly, given the allegations due to be made in a Prime Time Investigates programme in relation to the mistreatment of children at three separete creches.