Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 5:

In page 13, line 10, to delete "and accountability" and substitute ", accountability and consistency".

The intent behind this amendment is to change section 8(5) which relates to the functions of the agency and currently reads, "The Agency shall, in the performance of its functions, demonstrate high standards of performance, transparency and accountability". I want to alter the subsection in order that it would read "accountability and consistency". This is extremely important. In recent months and years the inconsistency of approach to the application of specific measures in respect of children has been highlighted. It was highlighted again recently in the context of the views of children being taken into account, particularly by the courts in circumstances relevant to a child's interests and future. The difference in the approaches employed by people who are trained to the same level as professionals is a matter of great concern and was discussed by the Joint Committee on Health and Children on Tuesday in the context of the presentation made to it by the special rapporteur on child protection, Dr. Geoffrey Shannon. We must expect consistency across the board in all matters pertaining to the interests of children. Such consistency has not been present heretofore. The functions of the new agency under section 8(5) would be strengthened and enhanced by inclusion of the term "consistency".

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