The dedicated state agency responsible for child protection is being officially launched today.

The launch of the Child and Family Agency represents the most comprehensive reform of services for the development, welfare and protection of children and support of families ever undertaken here.

It brings together Child Welfare and Protection Services, including family support services delivered by the HSE; responsibilities of the National Educational Welfare Board; Pre-school inspection services and Domestic violence services, among others.

The new agency brings together around 4,000 staff and has an operational budget of around 600 million euro.

Chief Executive Gordon Jeyes the streamlining of services is essential: