Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

Amendment No. 25 states, "it shall be presumed, unless the contrary is shown that the welfare of the child is best promoted in the society of either or both of the child's natural parents, if either or both of them wish to exercise that role". There should be an assumption in the Bill that a child would be better off with his or her natural parents, unless there are reasons this should not be the case. This matter was discussed on Committee Stage and the amendment in my name allows for an assumption to be made that a child's natural parents are the best people to rear him or her. However, the amendment would still leave open the possibility to argue that this might not be best for the child.

If provision can be so made, it is best that children be raised by their natural parents. Issues such as money, etc., should not be given priority over the fact that his or her parents actually brought him or her into the world. This is an important principle and it should be contemplated in the Bill. As already stated, it could be overridden if there is a good argument in favour of deciding otherwise. I urge the Minister to consider the amendment.

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