Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have concerns about being so open regarding the Bill. We have undergone a process right from the very start, from Report Stage in the Seanad to moving from 18 down to 16 with safeguards on the recommendation of the Attorney General. We are really now talking about amendment No. 11 to section 9. We are jumping around the place.

I have met and listened to parents. We have met representatives of BeLonG To and TENI. We have met a whole range of groups, children and parents. At some stage we need to get the Bill passed. We certainly have not carried out an in-depth study on how we might amend legislation regarding children or those aged under 18. I believe the Seanad had some discussion on it on Report Stage but there was not an in-depth study or consideration. It would not be appropriate to go below 18 without that level of consultation. There has been very in-depth consultation regarding those aged over 18.

There is a built-in review after two years. Denmark introduced a model of self-declaration with a minimum age of 18. I do not think that justifies us keeping 18 there either. I am simply saying there is not a clear trend internationally. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Reilly, has a key role in the children aspect of this matter. There may be a pathway for the committee to open up hearings for those aged under 18.

I will not introduce legislation based on newspaper articles without that kind of in-depth study and without this committee examining recommendations on those aged under 18 in detail. I am very positively disposed to working with the committee in the short term in looking at a range of issues. Probably the person best positioned to have that discussion is the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. I think he is quite open to having that.