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

I absolutely disagree. It certainly does need to be explicitly stated in the legislation. The Minister used the word "consistent" not only in reference to the amendment, as presented, but also with regard to her expectations in terms of the agency's performance.

Consistency flowed out naturally, yet it is not stated in the text as a requirement. Inconsistency in the approach to children has been very much in evidence across all the agencies and services, not only in recent years but for decades. How can it be in any way a challenge to provide that the agency shall, in the performance of its functions, demonstrate high standards of performance, transparency, accountability and consistency? A requirement to be consistent is not implicit and must, therefore, be stated in the interests of children and also of the way in which the State relates to and engages with their interests. Consistency is what we want and we have ample evidence of inconsistency in the State's response to cases in which children were central in the recent past. I will make further reference to this inconsistency when we discuss the next amendment.

I urge the Minister again to accept the amendment. It is imperative because consistency is about treating all children equally in every circumstance that can present. The amendment makes absolute sense and I believe the Minister recognises that.

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