Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Committee on Health and Children: Select Sub-Committee on Children and Youth Affairs
Child and Family Agency Bill 2013: Committee Stage
5:40 pm
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has outlined much of what lies behind the amendment. Including the word "all" in front of "families" is a reflection of the diversification of the family network in Ireland. It is no longer the conventional family of a mother, father and a number of children. The family home is made up of a different mixture, which is to be welcomed and acknowledged. It is only right that we acknowledge it in drafting the legislation. I echo what Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin stated on the issue of support and ensuring the appropriate proportional supports are acknowledged. The family is the best place for a child to be brought up and we should at all times look to support families in every way we can.