Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is welcome that the best interest principle is explicitly included in the Bill, rightly so, considering that we went through the children's rights referendum 12 months ago and it will be explicitly inserted into the Constitution. As Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said, the hard work has been done. The Minister and Deputy Ó Caoláin were on the all-party Oireachtas committee in this regard. It is only right and proper that this is included in the Bill. Nonetheless, the best interest principle could be strengthened in terms of having the "best interests of the child as a primary consideration", which would ensure Ireland is totally compliant with the European Convention on the Rights of the Child. Given so much good work was done on an all-party basis in the previous Dáil, that we have gone to the country and that the children's rights referendum has been passed, we should ensure that, while it is welcome it is included in the Bill, it is included as strongly as possible. By including "primary consideration", we will ensure the best interest principle is inserted in the strongest way possible.