The new Child and Family Agency – the first of its kind in Ireland – has been officially launched today.
The State agency – with over 4,000 staff and a budget of more than 600 million euro – will co-ordinate the range of services being provided.
It will have responsibility for supporting and promoting the development, welfare and protection of children and the effective functioning of families.
It is also being tasked with ensuring every child in the State attends school or receives some form of education.
