Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is welcome. This framework gives a practical way for organisations and Departments to engage with and hear the voice of the child. Everybody has the right to make their own choices and every effort must be made to support people whose capacity to make decisions is a challenge. For children to have that right, they need decision makers who support and hear them. What specific practical supports are being provided to decision makers to help them to develop capacity for meaningful engagement with young people? Is there a plan to extend this?

This morning, we have heard different Members speaking about child poverty, homelessness and the school meals programme. Children are going to school hungry. I am aware of parents taking their children out of schools to attend other schools that have the hot meals programme. These are issues that seem to be getting worse. We have to make these issues a priority. We have to make sure that no child faces homelessness or goes hungry.

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