Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I echo the comments of Senator Brian Hayes and Senator O'Toole in welcoming the decision by the US Supreme Court. The decision demonstrates the operation of the basic democratic concept of the separation of powers and how the law can check the abuse of power by a government. Sometimes people say the law is an ass but this case shows that the law works very well, including in the United States. It is important that Ireland, in its dealings with the United States, brings pressure to bear on that country to ensure it acts in accordance with the Supreme Court decision.

In view of the full agenda next week, it is too late to seek a debate in this session. However, there are two issues which the House should discuss in the next parliamentary year, which will be the last year of this Seanad. One is the need to insert express children's rights into the Constitution. This could be discussed in the Seanad with a view to the holding of a referendum either at or before the next election. There were reports yesterday of the meeting of four child protection groups. These groups raised the issue of the need to give children rights. It is an important issue. If there had been express rights for children in the Constitution and if children's welfare had been given priority, there might have been a different decision from the Supreme Court in the C case this year. It is important that we do something to enshrine children's rights in the Constitution.

A report was produced this year by the all-party group on the Constitution which called for a change in the Constitution with regard to children's rights. However, that call does not go far enough because it does not give express rights to children. I favour amending the Constitution to provide for express rights for children. That topic should be given priority next year in the Seanad.

The second issue which the Leader might consider is the motion I put down regarding a right to petition the Seanad. I was pleased that the Leader was supportive of that idea. Unfortunately, I was unable to have it included in Private Members' business this session but perhaps it is something we could progress on an all-party basis. I would be interested in working with the Leader on it.