Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 6, line 45, after "behalf" to insert ", either at all or in an effective manner,".

We had an extensive discussion on this matter on Committee Stage and I do not wish to unduly prolong the issue as I heard the Minister's point of view at that stage. Comhairle can only provide an advocacy service for children under 18 years of age when it is not reasonable to expect that a parent or guardian would be able to act on behalf of a child. The Labour Party believes the Bill should be broad enough to cover a situation where a parent is able to act on behalf of a child, but is not sufficiently skilled to do so in an effective manner. Advocacy could be needed in such a situation but I have heard the Minister's views in that regard and I do not think he will accept this amendment.

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