1007. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs  if he will consider liaising with management at the Child and Family Agency with a view to directing all social care and educational establishments that children in care should not be allowed or encouraged to break the law by being allowed to smoke and drink while under age and in State care; and if he will make a statement on the matter.  [22885/14]   

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am advised by the Child and Family Agency that it adopts a common sense approach to its corporate parenting responsibilities. Children are not allowed to smoke and/or consume alcohol in any Child and Family Agency establishment. Where a child has been smoking and or consuming alcohol, engagement in smoking cessation and alcohol awareness programmes are encouraged.