Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I have listened to opposing arguments on this matter. In the past 30 years the courts have granted rights to children of unmarried parents under Article 43. These personal rights are the equivalent to the constitutional rights of a child of married parents. The legal team has examined this area and is satisfied with its resolution. In a case like this eminent people are consulted, not just the Attorney General, but there will always be those who take an opposing view, irrespective of the wording or when we hold the referendum. We have made a great effort in respect of this and I would be glad to raise points on this with the legal team.

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