Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and her staff. I have been canvassing in County Louth in recent weeks and the response has been great. One question keeps coming up and I promised the citizens of Louth that if I got a chance, I would put it to the Minister. People want to know if this referendum will make it easier for children to be taken from their parents in exceptional cases, and also when exactly the State can intervene to ensure a child's interests are at the centre of all decisions being taken about his or her welfare. I have confidence in this referendum proposal and believe it will protect the most vulnerable children and will support and protect families. When families are in trouble, early intervention can prevent more serious problems developing.

I received a copy of the information booklet on the children's referendum and believe it is very important that as much information as possible is provided to the public. I commend the Minister on deciding to hold the referendum on a Saturday because it gives the whole of Ireland an opportunity to vote.