Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I wish to be associated with the congratulations extended to Anne Enright on her magnificent achievement. It is a breath of fresh air to listen to her. I also congratulate Archbishop Brady on his elevation.

I would like this House to debate the reform treaty in the next couple of weeks in light of yesterday's debate in the Lower House. During such a debate many of the points raised here on the matter could be clarified, including the opt-out clause and the reasons for it, without people jumping to conclusions as may have been the position today.

I agree with Senator Quinn that the issues of parenting and marriage should be raised and I did so many times in the previous Seanad. I asked about the future of society, what society can bring to us and whether we have a better quality of life today than we did in the past. I do not know the answers but we have a great deal of material for discussion.