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

I have already referred to the section that I believe is very strong in respect of this. It is ground-breaking and is the first time there has been a provision in any legislation stipulating that when planning and reviewing the provision of services in connection with the performance of functions under section 8(1)(a), (b) or (c), the agency will ensure that consideration is given to the views of children. That is there in terms of ensuring that the agency listens to the views of children. It is the first time it has been in statute in this way, which is extremely important. I believe that broadening the focus to all the functions of the agency would dilute the intended focus of this provision, which is to ensure that wherever there are changes planned in service provision, part of the evidence base for decisions must be a consideration for the views of children. Therefore, I will not be accepting this amendment.