Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is not something that of itself would hamper the new agency in carrying out its functions. It would not unduly burden it. It is not about dealing with the individual cases that will present in the daily work of the agency; it is, of course, proposed in the context of planning the performance of functions under section 8(1)(a), (b) and (c) and reviewing services. The planning would take place at the outset and services would be reviewed as time dictated and needs demanded. It should not be carried out in any other way than with consultation to seek a variety of views and experiences, not least with non-governmental organisations that have been very much to the fore in addressing the needs of children for many years and which would have a significant contribution to make in any such consideration. I hold strongly to the view that the amendment I have tendered is worthy of the Minister's support for the reasons I have mentioned.