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

It is a well trodden path back onto my feet to say that it is entirely reasonable to expect it would be understood. Affirming the adherence to compliance with section 9, which deals with the best interests of the child, is what we seek with this series of amendments. It should be properly affirmed in the arrangements with service providers that provision of services by statutory bodies, the particular arrangements of special care in residential places and supplemental services. In any of those, the point is not made as the amendments seek to do. Why would we not make it abundantly clear to all concerned? Those who do not come under the aegis of the agency can be outside providers. We need to say publically that we expect strict adherence at all times in the carrying out of their functions and the provision of services, whatever the setting, so that the best interests of children is paramount and is the primary consideration. I do not know what argument anyone can put for why we do not say that often enough. We should be saying it repeatedly so that it is properly understood and strictly adhered to. I expect nothing less of the agency. This is an address to those they will engage in the provision of particular services and support.

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