Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Section 9(3) states: "The Agency shall, when planning and reviewing the provision of services in connection with the performance of functions under section 8(1)(a), (b) or (c), ensure that consideration is given to the views of children as part of any consultation processes undertaken". That is groundbreaking and has never before been included in legislation. It is all about hearing views and consulting parties. Any good organisation will consult and listen to the views of stakeholders all the time. Inserting the amendment as a mandatory legislative requirement in every situation which is what its effect would be would not work and there is a real danger that it would begin to paralyse decision-making. Consulting parties and hearing the views of young people and children, while working with stakeholders, is key to the work of the agency. We have very strong provisions in the Bill regarding the workings of the agency and the amendments would not have the desired effect.