Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

May I respond to the Minister's points, please?

I welcome what the Minister has just said. This is not about trying to create engagement. My sincere belief was that all of us - not just Deputy Troy and myself - had reached this point. I proudly applauded time after time the evidence of shared intent across all political views in these Houses to arrive at the best position in the interests of children. That is the reason I welcome and will support the passage of the Bill. I want it to reflect what I believe we have all embraced over a considerable period. Having checked with Deputy Troy, I know we are both agreeable to withdrawing the amendment in our names at this point, and we reserve the opportunity to resubmit an amendment on Report Stage. If the Minister wishes to engage with us in the interim to explain her position, we can re-evaluate whether we need to do that.

I do not believe that my proposed section 9(1) will be in conflict with section 9(2), which affirms that the interest of the child shall be the paramount consideration. I do not believe the two are mutually exclusive. That would not be my understanding of it. I commend the wording to the Minister, but on behalf of Deputy Troy, I will withdraw it.