Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I support the Minister's view that adoption of this amendment could have unintended consequences. For example, there is no definition in the Bill of what constitutes a consultation process. A planning and review of services could take place without any consultation process. The section as drafted puts a strong onus on consideration being given to the views of children. If the amendment were accepted, due consideration would be given to the views of children only as part of any consultation process undertaken, which would limit the instances where the views of the child would have to be taken into account.