Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I support the calls of Senators Ormonde and Bacik, among others, for a debate on the substantive report from the Oireachtas joint committee on the proposed constitutional referendum on the rights of the child. The committee put an enormous amount of work over a long period into this document. It is quite complex and the committee was very conscious of the sensitivities it might generate. It was also very determined that we should avoid a situation whereby the referendum would become about the rights of the family versus the rights of the child. For this reason will the Leader schedule, as soon as possible, a debate which would allow all Members to contribute on this substantive issue? Senators should read the report in depth prior to making comments because we run the risk of a throwaway harmless comment being latched on to by members of the public who will give a skewed view of what is proposed in the referendum.

Senator Mullen commented earlier that it would be better to refer to children within the State rather than of the State. That was not possible for very clear reasons. He also spoke about the issues it raises in connection with the family. The committee made it clear in the report that in the vast majority of cases it believed the best interests of the child are served within the family. It behoves all Members to read the report with deep consideration prior to commenting on it. I hope the Leader will facilitate an early debate on it.