Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I would like it to be accepted because many people who have dealt with litigation in divorce proceedings would like us to revisit that and end matters. It is very difficult for people who are in a relationship and when the relationship ends, there are matters to be settled. The notion that in five, six or ten years' time, when people have gone on to live another life, somebody will haul them back for a resettlement, is unjust in and of itself. While we cannot legislate for it to be the final instalment, we can indicate, from statutes in jurisdictions similar to our own, the will of the Oireachtas to the courts that it is an objective, in so far as possible, that there be finality in respect of these orders. I am sorry the Minister is not willing to accept that.

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