David Norris (Independent)

I move amendment No. 56:

In page 36, to delete lines 21 to 23 and substitute the following:

"(2) The Authority may attach, to the interim order, conditions in regard to the maintenance, education and welfare of the child and in regard to access arrangements in respect of maintaining meaningful contacts for the child.".

This amendment involves a slight difference in language from the form proposed in the Bill as it seeks to open the position somewhat more. The reasoning behind it is similar to the previous amendment relating to the question of open adoption. The amendment changes the form of words used in the Bill to the following: "The Authority may attach, to the interim order, conditions in regard to the maintenance, education and welfare of the child and in regard to access arrangements in respect of maintaining meaningful contacts for the child." It, therefore, substitutes the term "welfare" for that of "supervision". In my opinion, that is a reasonable and humane course to follow. In addition, the amendment suggests the inclusion of the phrase "in regard to access arrangements in respect of maintaining meaningful contacts for the child". This is important because children should have access to proper and meaningful contacts. The amendment also asserts the primacy of child and his or her interest in this relationship.