Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

More than four years ago, the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution unanimously recommended to the Government that before a constitutional referendum takes place, there should be at least 60 days of discussion on the matter. It recommended the optimum period of 120 days. In light of the Government's stated intention of holding a referendum of children's rights and child protection, will the Acting Leader agree that a more sensible approach by the Government would be to publish a White Paper on its views on these matters? The only consultations the Government has so far undertaken have been between the two largest Opposition parties in the Lower House and interested parties in the community and voluntary sector. Throughout the 1980s mistakes were made with rushed and politically motivated constitutional referenda. It is not good practice to hold a referendum so close to a general election.

Will the Acting Leader agree a White Paper should be published? Two principal issues are at stake. First, there are those issues that arose from the CC case, which are urgent and require the Oireachtas to make legislative changes to give an absolute zone of protection to children. The other issue concerns amendments to Article 42 of the Constitution, relating to children's rights, and in respect of which it is more difficult to arrive at a consensus position. This would be more sensibly left for a longer period of reflection, consultation and discussion among society in general so that we can reach a consensus that is agreed by all and which can be confidently implemented.