Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I totally accept the Deputy's bona fides in this matter and am very grateful for his unequivocal support for the passage of this legislation and for the concept of bringing the different services together to work under the remit of the new child and family agency. I have considered his amendment carefully. From the very beginning of this process, I have taken the views of Deputies opposite on board.

Some of the amendments I introduced were amendments I know Deputies Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Robert Troy were supportive of and wished to see made to the Bill, as did the NGO sector. The Bill has been strengthened by the inclusion of these provisions. The way we have drafted the legislation is ground-breaking and will ensure the views of the child will be part and parcel of the work of the agency. The legislation lays down that they must be an integral part of the work of the agency when decisions are being made. It is a strong and ground-breaking provision and will do the job it is intended to do, which is to ensure the views of young people are heard when decisions are being made about them.

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