Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I will write to the HSE's director of child and family services regarding this matter in order to highlight again the importance of taking into account the wishes of the child, as set out in the Child Care Act 1991, and to reinforce the point that this applies in the case of special care orders. The issue the Deputy is raising is as much as practice issue as a legislative issue. It is covered from a legislative point of view, but we must ensure it becomes part of best practice. I will ask the director to bring this requirement to the notice of all persons involved in the procedures relating to special care.

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