Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I am not trying to reduce the rights of children over seven years of age in any way. Rather, I am trying to include the rights of children aged less than seven years.

According to the Minister of State, the Bill is about the best interests of the child, but adults can sometimes believe they are acting in those interests without listening to the child. If the child has something to say, his or her opinion should be a part of the consideration of what is in his or her best interests, which is the fundamental aim of this amendment. The more I listen to the Minister of State, the more I am convinced my amendment is necessary. Six year olds have a lot to say about what they think and feel about things. I do not see why there is a paternalistic view to the effect that, if a child is under seven years of age, he or she does not know what to think and that someone else should act in the child's best interests without what the child has to say forming part of the judgment. I will be pressing the amendment.

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