Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I want to raise two issues. First, a judicial council is overdue and I hope the Judiciary is not an impediment to the establishment of such a council. I would like a debate on that at some stage in the House. It happens in other jurisdictions and the Executive would not have any input other than a peer review of the conduct of the Judiciary. That is an important issue.

Second, in her interesting contribution Senator McDonald referred to parental responsibility in this area, which is essential. I agree fully with that. Children need the influence and controls of a mother and father. I would be opposed to any diminution of the unique status of marriage in our Constitution. It should not be downgraded in any way or any other relationship put parallel to it. That is the reason I oppose the model of civil partnership from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I hope it will be modified to reflect the important role marriage plays, particularly in terms of ensuring that those of the next generation are good citizens because of the good influence of both their fathers and mothers.