Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We are in the throes of discussions. The scope and content of what we are discussing is of far wider implication than simply what one would expect just reading the report. When one gets into it, this is an area that is becoming very complex and not easily resolved. When we become clearer as a result of the work that is ongoing, we can come back and discuss it more cogently based on a clear view of where we are.

I bring these matters to the attention of the House in an open, honest and transparent way to explain to Deputies that it is not just a case of producing the wording of the Bill. That is not to in any way detract from people's work. The job of the committee was to see if a consensus could be arrived at in what we would like to see in the Constitution and come forward with some appropriate wording. That must be tested by the system and by the Attorney General. We must determine the constitutional and resource implications and how we will do this, whether it is the right action to take and if we will be able to take some action.

I have mentioned continuity of care over the best interests of the child and we must get the issue right because we do not want unintended consequences. We are committed to the issue.

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