Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to see the inclusion of amendment No. 16, which was originally proposed by Deputy Funchion and I and which is similar to another amendment proposed by Deputy Rabbitte. The amendment may seem like a small one but, going forward, it will make a huge difference. Previously, the Bill provided that Tusla could authorise additional supports if a child was not receiving adequate care and protection. People in the sector, including me, were worried that the wording implied that there needed to be some form of parental failure before protection would be implemented. The new wording proposed is much more positive. It encourages Tusla to promote the welfare of children who are in need of additional care or protection. It is much more wide-ranging and represents a more proactive approach. As such, it is good to see it included.

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