Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

There can be no clearer or more relevant example of the need to provide for the rights of children in the Constitution than the awful case of baby Ann. The Judiciary had no choice in this matter. The only consolation is that baby Ann is loved very much and we cannot say that for many children around the world, especially those in Africa who have nobody to love and care for them. That is not much consolation in this case in which there are two sets of parents with two sets of demands and requirements. We can only hope that baby Ann will grow up with love from both sets of parents, who are excellent people. I hope they can work together to ensure she has a bright future. We should cherish all our children equally. The constitutional amendment proposed by the Minister of State and approved in principle by the Taoiseach is the right direction in which to go. We can devote our efforts to encourage other states in the EU to follow the lead given by this Minister of State with responsibility for children.