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

We both cited the explanation of the term "family" from the opening pages of the Bill. The truth is that it is under the explanation of the word "couple" that we find a much more explicit reference to the understanding of family, in terms of a married couple; civil partners within the meaning of Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act; a man and woman who are not married to each other but are cohabiting as husband and wife; or two persons of the same sex who are cohabiting in domestic circumstances comparable to that of a man and woman who are not married. It is all about clarity, and the interpretations are there. My sense of it, and the argument I have put, is that the expansion of section 8(1)(c) to read, as I indicated in the amendment proposed, "all families and the role of parents or guardians therein as integral to the achievement of paragraph (b) above" is very important. Not all children are necessarily in all of the circumstances explained by "family" or "couple". Some are placed in a variety of settings, including many of those who are in State care due to fostering. The wording "all families" would reflect the actuality with regard to a child's circumstances in all family settings. I do not believe the amendment as presented weakens, disturbs or distorts any of the intent of the legislation.

It offers the clarity that is needed and that many in our society would welcome. Again, I commend the amendment to the Minister and reiterate that the intent behind it is self-evident.

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