Seanad debates

Thursday, 26 March 2015

Children and Family Relationships Bill 2015: Committee Stage

 

10:30 am

Photo of Averil PowerAveril Power (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 20:



In page 24, after line 39, to insert the following:“(4) In proceedings related to this section, section 22 and any other proceedings in relation to parentage, the court may, by order, do either or both of the following:
(a) give such directions as it thinks proper for the purpose of procuring from an expert a report in writing on any question affecting the welfare of the child; or

(b) appoint an expert to determine and convey the child’s views.”.
The amendment is designed to address a gap in the legislation. The provision relating to access, custody, maintenance and guardianship provide for a procedure whereby the child's views may be heard but there is no such procedure for proceedings regarding parentage. Perhaps it is appropriate, if there is a dispute, that the child's views are heard.

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