Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to second Senator Cullinane's amendment. He has comprehensively expressed his concerns about the importance of hearing the voice of the child. Barnados feels that this aspect should be strengthened in line with best practice and in recognition that the agency will be working in a number of settings. As users of the agency's services, children's views must be sought in planning and reviewing all the agency's functions and not just restricted to sections 8(1)(a),(b) and (c). I accept that this is a difficult area because it depends on the age of the child.

While the concept is vague, naturally the child's view should be taken into consideration, particularly when a child is in a position to give his or her view. We should also consider whether a guardian or parent could influence a child's point of view to the detriment of some other party involved. This is a complex area, so I accept the advice of the Minister and her departmental advisers, as well as the experience of social workers in this regard.