Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 9:

In page 13, line 35, after “2010,” to insert “whether in proceedings before a court or otherwise,”.

This will amend section 9(2) to state as follows: "Notwithstanding the generality of subsection (1), the Agency shall, in performing its functions in respect of an individual child under the Child Care Act 1991 or the Adoption Act 2010, whether in proceedings before a court or otherwise, regard the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration." Barnardos has made this recommendation. I accept that Barnardos has long experience of child care. This amendment is based on the best interests principle. Section 9(2) should be more explicit to ensure that it does not relate purely to proceedings before a court. The Bill must recognise that the agency will be working with children and families in a wide range of settings under the legal framework of the 1991 Act.