Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach will be aware that the Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs has been an active participant in the deliberations of the committee. I understand a paper reflective of the Fianna Fáil party's view in this area was presented to the committee during the course of its work. Not having had expectation as a participant in the committee's work regarding the early reports of address through the Constitution, I again ask if the Taoiseach will indicate a willingness to take on board the committee's recommendations which unanimously commend address of the children's rights issues by way of amendment to the Constitution, specifically, Article 42. Is the Taoiseach in a position to indicate the Government's disposition towards this important change which has the support of all parties to the committee? I have gone further and asked, in relation to the remaining sections of that Article of the Constitution, whether the Taoiseach is willing to undertake to accommodate a proper all-inclusive address of those sections that specify the relationship in terms of education. The Taoiseach will be aware, as we all are, that this is a major issue of discourse and debate at this point. It is imperative there is political leadership in this regard to ensure what is stated in the Constitution reflects the reality of the Irish situation today. I urge the Taoiseach to consider that course and to provide leadership in this regard.

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