Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have heard the announcement of a challenge to the outcome of the referendum on children's rights to the Supreme Court, given the Government's failure to present materials objectively and in accordance with the McKenna judgment, and the decision of the Supreme Court essentially to make that ruling. What does the Taoiseach believe the impact of the challenge to the constitutionality of the referendum result will be on the legislative programme that flows from the passing of the referendum? There are two Bills on the A list, the children Bill and the family support Bill, as well as the Bill on adoption. The Children First legislation may not be dependent on that, but can the Taoiseach indicate if there will be any impact on the progression of those Bills as detailed on the A list?

I ask the Taoiseach for time to be made available in plenary session for the House to debate the escalating situation in Gaza. People are genuinely shocked at the impact on the civilian population in Gaza that we saw on our television screens yesterday. There should be a debate in the House on that matter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs issuing a statement to the House. Others will be in a position to contribute to the debate also.

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