§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if she will make a statement on the consultation process involved in the UK fulfilling the reporting requirement relating to the UN convention on the rights of the child; and if she will make a statement on the impact on UK policy of adopting the convention and the practical measures necessary to implement it; [9283]
(2) if she will make a statement on the consultation process involved in the UK fulfilling the reporting requirement relating to the UN convention on the rights of the child; and if she will make a statement on the impact on UK policy of adopting the convention and the practical measures necessary to implement it. [9243]
§ Mr. Worthington[holding answer 23 July 1997]: The Government submitted their first report to the UN committee on the rights of the child in 1994. A further report is to be submitted in 1999. To assist in the production of this report, the Department of Health proposes to convene a conference early in 1998 to discuss its content and format. It is likely that this conference will involve a range of organisations with an interest in children's issues, including Government Departments, representatives from the voluntary sector, local authorities and the users of services. I can confirm that the Northern Ireland Office will participate fully in the UK-wide consultation process.
The Children (Northern Ireland) Order, which commenced in November 1996, is one example of legislation which clearly reflects the principles of the UN convention. The central principles of the legislation is that the welfare of the child must be the first consideration when decisions are being made about children's lives.
98WThe Department of Health has lead responsibility for promoting the convention and for ensuring that its principles are kept in mind when any legislation, policy or practice which will impact on children is being considered.