Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I formally propose amendment No. 2, which seeks to insert after the word “children” in line 5, page 8, Part 2, the word “equally”. I do so because I think it is important the word “equally” is included in the wording. We are not convinced that merely using the phrase "all children" is sufficient. I believe including the word “equally” restores the equality principle

When we refer to the original agreed wording from February 2010, the proposed Article 42.1.1° very clearly commended an all-party decision that: "The State shall cherish all the children of the State equally." The word “equally” does not appear anywhere in the Minister's proposed new wording. I believe it is a matter of some not inconsiderable importance. The word “equally” does, indeed, address the inequalities that are already inherent in so much that young people have to face in Irish society today and historically. We need to make it patently clear for all who will have to adhere to and interpret the wording of the constitutional change that there is one and clear intent on the part of this House, these Houses and the Government when this proposition goes before the people, namely, that children will treated equally. I believe this is a cornerstone in any republic. The equality principle is most certainly a cornerstone of the core values of the party I am proud to represent here. I commend it to the Minister. It in no way takes from, and I believe it adds to, strengthens and clarifies, not only the intent of the all-party committee in its long deliberations but it is also meritorious of the Government's favourable acceptance and inclusion in this Article 42A.1 redraft.

I would hope the case I have put is self-evident. I am accepting of the rest of the wording because we did speak of "protect and vindicate those rights" in the all-party committee's wording.

In fact, the wording of Article 42A.2.2° is the formula that we arrived at, just over two and a half years ago, in our concluding report. Again, I commend to the Minister acceptance of the inclusion of the word "equally". I believe it is important that it appears within the text to go before the people and I appeal for her favourable consideration.

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