Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The views of the child should be regarded by the Health Service Executive prior to any steps being taken under section 23ND of the Child Care Act 1991, as inserted by section 9 of this Bill. I am not convinced by the Minister's proposition that there is absolute statutory provision for this requirement. She and I had a united position on this matter in the past, but that seems no longer to be the case. The Government parties have moved from a strong position of support and united appeal for the acceptance of this particular amendment. Can the Minister point to the section of the Bill where it is provided statutorily that the HSE shall have regard to the view of the child in these matters? I have identified no such provision. The Bill should be comprehensive, providing for all the situations that will present. The child's interest is strengthened by the inclusion of amendment No. 10.

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