Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Chairman is right to raise the money issue. It is one we need to examine and make sure that whatever is set up brings the maximum amount of benefit for vulnerable children out of whatever money is available. That goes without saying. There is a broader issue about the cost of legal systems in general, which is much broader than our committee's remit, but the enormous amounts of money spent on legal representation at tribunals etc. is a major issue. I support the Chairman's point that we need to examine the issue of value for money in this area but at the same time representation of their voice in court is the right of the child. Other people get legal representation to have their voice heard in court. It is about getting that balance right.