Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 10:

In page 6, line 28, to delete "concerned." and substitute "concerned;".

This arises from Committee Stage when Deputy McManus made a fair case on the need to ensure broader representation when a child is subject to proceedings under the Bill. I did not accept certain amendments she tabled in this regard but she tabled one that seemed to address the issue. As she had left, I indicated I would accept the amendment. Amendments Nos. 10 and 11 are Government amendments.

Deputy McManus has tabled amendment No. 12, which states "a person who, in the opinion of the court, has a bona fide interest in the child." The only difference in my amendment is that it is the "child concerned." The draftsman suggested the addition of the word "concerned" to the amendment put down by the Deputy, so I am in effect accepting it. It is a good formulation because it is wide enough to give the court power to let an appropriate person in.

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