Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I will not reiterate my substantial points in regard to these amendments. I would be inclined to press them to a division because I have heard no convincing argument as to why we should not do so. Unfortunately, however, we do not have the numbers to proceed to a vote. It is for this reason that I am not pressing the matter to a vote. Any sensible person will support the proposed amendment and call for a "Yes" vote, because it is a positive step forward. However, I do not see why the Minister will not accept our proposals in order to ensure the imperative regarding the best interests of the child apply in respect of all parties and not just the State.

While I do not wish to labour the point, I would press the amendment to a division if we had the numbers required. In that context, I will record my views by means of a voice vote.

See this speech in context