Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I am aware the Senator understands my position. Many Members on this side of the House were looking forward to the debate in which we could express our views. It was agreed at our party meeting this morning who would speak in the debate. I was looking forward very much to putting my views on the record of the House on the matter, which I regard as a human rights issue. I am disappointed and I hope Senator Ross's view can be discussed afterwards.

The amendment to the Order of Business is not shabby, as Senator Brian Hayes stated, but is in fact correct. Each of the subheadings in the amendment make correct points. Ms Zappone and Ms Gilligan are currently involved in litigation. The Oireachtas All-Party Committee on the Constitution is in existence but I am not aware of any all-party committee on the family. It may be a sub-committee.