Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I support Senator Brian Hayes's comments on the children's rights referendum. This referendum could have been organised over the last ten years to allow for debate. The opportunity existed to reach consensus on an all-party basis, which is essential if we are talking about the legal protection of children and constitutional rights for them. That opportunity still exists with the leaders of the Labour Party and Fine Gael, as Senator Hayes pointed out this morning. It could be lost, however, if the referendum is rushed. There is no reason why it cannot be postponed until after the election if we cannot reach agreement. If that is the case, it would be provident to wait until there is all-party agreement because we should not politicise this. The children's rights referendum should not be held in a climate where domestic political issues take precedence in terms of the debate and direction of the election.

The Polish Prime Minister addressed the Forum on Europe yesterday.