I move amendment No. 101:
In page 12, before section 17, to insert the following section:
"17.—If a justice of the court in the hearing of a custody case between parents under the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, deems it appropriate he may avail of a supervision order where custody is awarded or alternatively may invoke a care order if he is not satisfied as to the suitability of either parent having due regard to the best interests of the child's welfare.".
We are availing of the opportunity of this Bill to ensure that this facility is inserted to enable us give children greater protection in guardianship cases. I would be interested to hear the Minister's view on this. Before he replies perhaps I may put on record the views of the professional coalition on this Bill. They agree with this amendment. They consider it is useful for the court to have the option in circumstances in which parents are not suitable guardians. The coalition agree that, in cases concerning children, the court would appoint an advocate to act on the child's behalf. It is an amendment I would ask the Minister to seriously consider.