Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Jan O'Sullivan for introducing the Bill. The Deputy is a colleague on the children's committee, where her voice is heard at all times representing the voice of the child. That is what the Bill is about - the voice of the child and laws that govern matters concerning children. The voice of the child is not considered by local authorities. The Ombudsman for Children has said that under Irish law, there is no specific law providing for the voice of the child to be heard. The person making the application has such a right but it does not cover the rights of the child. Article 27 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNCRC, provides for the right to food, clothing and a safe space. That means a child must have a roof over his or her head. A child's world should not revolve around two beds. When one is a mother of kids and rears a family, one understands the value of having a roof over one's head. We also have to acknowledge the right of children to be educated with their friends, to be able to travel to school in a community and to grow up in a community. It is incumbent on the councils to look after people who present to them. It is incumbent on them, when people present as homeless, not to tell them they have a good family and can place children with different family members while remaining on the housing list. That is not correct. At all times we must ensure the voice of the child is heard. We had a referendum to enshrine the rights of the child into the Constitution but we are neglecting it. When parents or guardians present as homeless, the voice and rights of children should be considered. Does the child have a disability and does that come into consideration? Are they part of a team or a club? That voice needs to be heard. Those receiving people as they present to the various county councils throughout the country must recognise it is not only the parents or guardians who are presenting but a whole family unit. We have to recognise the value of that family unit. That is what the Bill is about. It is about acknowledging the value of the family and the child. My party and I commend and wholeheartedly support Deputy O'Sullivan and her Bill.

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