Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 10:

In page 12, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following: "(5) The best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration in the application of all provisions of this Act and in the performance of all functions conferred by this Act that directly or indirectly affect children.".

One of the glaring issues throughout the Bill is the absence of references to the best interests of the child. Given that so many children currently live in the direct provision system and the Bill only recognises the best interests of the child after the protection process is completed, whether or not they have been given protection, the intention of my amendment is to ensure the best interests of the child are referenced throughout the legislation, which is vitally important, rather than in the various sections in which the reference is made. It is notable that the reference only applies to those sections as opposed to the entire Bill. For something as important as this and for vulnerable people seeking protection here, the best interests of the child should be paramount throughout the Bill, particularly given the Government's record in this regard with the children's referendum and the fact that the best interests of the child was to filter through all Government policy and legislation. That is why I have tabled the amendment.

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