Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I wish to record my unambiguous support for the referendum. There are understandable fears, arising from the fact that the State, State agencies and national organisations, such as the Catholic Church, have failed children. It is important that the message go out that the referendum is about protecting children, giving them rights and, as far as possible, ensuring that they grow up in stable family situations.

There is also concern about the old problem of theory and practice. The Minister has a role to play in proofing the budget with regard to children and to poverty. Child poverty is a serious issue. It is understandable that it has been raised in relation to the referendum. The Minister has a duty to ensure at Cabinet that budgets, particularly the upcoming budget, is child proofed and poverty proofed.