David Norris (Independent)

I move amendment No. 61:

In page 39, to delete lines 1 to 4 and substitute the following:

"(3) However, if the court decides to determine the question of the custody of the child, the court shall do so having regard for the welfare of the child as the first and paramount consideration.".

This goes to the heart of the primary importance of a child's welfare. I cannot imagine there could be any cogent reason to oppose an amendment which expresses the principle agreed on several occasions in the past by the Minister. The principle has also been used in argument by various Members. The amendment should be accepted unless there is some concealed reason to object which I have not discovered.