Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

-----to make every effort to have a full and inclusive debate, not simply to give a platform to organisations or individuals but to remain mindful of citizens who want to do the right thing by children but who still have fears that must be allayed. I believe those fears can be allayed in the course of the debate.

The children’s referendum is welcome but fine words alone will not put food in the bellies of vulnerable children. In supporting the Bill I challenge the Government to put its money where its mouth is and make a commitment to child-proof December's budget. I want the Government to do that, at a minimum. The Government must also ensure a full and frank public debate on the referendum and address the fears of parents and citizens across the State. Neither must the Government shy away from such fears or concerns. It is in our collective interest that the referendum is passed. It is a necessary and long overdue measure. We have a collective responsibility to embrace a full and frank debate on why we must enshrine children’s rights into the Constitution and when we have done that we have the bigger responsibility of making the commitment real.

See this speech in context