Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Minister will understand the frustration felt in some non-Government parties at the absence of information regarding the ongoing engagement with the Attorney General and the consideration by the various Departments which the Minister indicated previously. There is concern that slippage may occur. We are a little over a week away from the summer recess and the House will not resume until September. The referendum is to be held in the autumn but much can happen in the intervening period of weeks. I am sure other Opposition Deputies are of the same view as myself and are anxious to have a direct engagement with the Minister. I would be available throughout August and early September if an opportunity presented.

We are all, understandably, anxious that an all-party supported proposal be put to the people. I note the Minister said the wording of the proposed referendum will be along the lines of that proposed by the joint committee. Nevertheless, the absence of hard information gives rise to justifiable concern that what we agreed during the course of that long engagement in committee may be emaciated by a variety of departmental considerations and the Attorney General's fears. If the Minister is not in a position to provide certainty regarding the date of publication of the facilitating legislation for the referendum and the changes to the Adoption Acts to be presented in tandem, will she indicate her willingness to meet spokespeople on children's issues in this House either over the course of the recess or early in September? I hope she will understand fully the anxiousness I am describing.

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