Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I move amendment No. 26:

In page 24, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following:

"(2) In any matter, application or proceedings referred to in this section, such regard shall be had to the views, if any, of the child, as is appropriate having regard to the child's age and understanding.".

This inserts a provision for the rights of the child. Section 24(2) refers to the child but it only refers to those over seven years. I am attempting to include the voices of all children as appropriate. The amendment is self-explanatory.

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