Bill fails to take note of child’s views

The Children’s Rights Alliance says proposed legislation to establish the Child and Family Agency does not go far enough in taking on board the views of the child.

The Child and Family Agency Bill published yesterday provides for the establishment of a new agency that will take over responsibility for child protection services from the HSE.

Frances Fitzgerald, the children’s minister, has said the Dáil would debate the bill next week and there would be an opportunity to make amendments.

The alliance’s acting chief executive, Maria Corbett, said the bill did not go far enough when it came to taking into account the views of the child. Under the bill the agency is required to consult with children on care and adoption issues, but Ms Corbett said such a provision was not new and already existed in law.