Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am satisfied that the provision I have made in section 9 has the intended effect, which is to create a child-centred approach to decision-making while restating the specific requirements for paramountcy in certain specific processes. I do not think there is a need to restate in this Bill the existing provisions relating to proceedings before a court or the Adoption Authority. Those provisions are in place already. The Child Care Acts and the Adoption Act 2010 already require the best interest principle to be upheld by the agency. I remind the House that section 3 of the Child Care Act 1991 is explicit with regard to the application of best interests. It covers any action of the agency in the context of fulfilling its functions under that Act. Arrangements in respect of the adoption of a child are covered in section 6 of that Act. The consideration of best interests in court-related proceedings is obviously a matter for the relevant court or the relevant decision-making body.