Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

They would like to examine the issue when we introduce a new suite of reforms to the House. Party spokespersons should have an opportunity to speak and stress what they believe and voice their concerns about a Bill. A Government Member should then speak, after which any Deputy should be free to contribute. If five speakers in a row are on the Government side this should be allowed. It should be up to the Ceann Comhairle to call on speakers. Nobody is being denied the chance to speak on this very important issue or on any Bill coming before the House. It is important that everyone has his or her say on a Bill.

It is good to see Deputy Ó Fearghaíl has brought forward the Bill, and that it came from a male Member of the House and that there is participation from male and female Deputies and mothers and fathers. As a father I understand one is away from one's children two or three days a week. One comes to Dublin on Monday evening and does not return until Thursday or Friday, and one has one's constituency work to deal with when one returns home. Rural mothers probably face a similar difficulty. Mothers have more affection for their children than fathers and we must accept this. It is a very close relationship.

As Chief Whip I thank Deputy Ó Fearghaíl for raising this important issue and I invite him and all of the Whips in the House to work with us to see what can realistically and appropriately be done. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, should examine this issue, as should the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, and the Whips. This area can be explored further. I thank Deputy Calleary and the other speakers for their participation in the debate.

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