David Norris (Independent)

I am glad the Minister of State has said he will give some consideration to the possibility of making it clear that a guardian ad litem is not contemplated by section 23F(4). I would like to reinforce my support for any examination of whether that is necessary. I would like to point something out in response to Senator O'Malley, whose astute views in these matters I value greatly. I did say I accepted there were circumstances where the family might be a threat to the child or the guardian, but I was concerned about just two of those four categories, namely, consultation with the child and consultation with the guardian ad litem, in case that was covered.

I made a clear statement in another debate about the family and I made the point about the importance of language. I have just taken part in a recording on RTE where there was reference to the so-called pro-life lobby, and we have let them away with that one. The self-styled, self-appointed and self-regulated Iona Institute has been described by The Irish Times as pro-family. The rest of us did not come down from the hot tap in the bath. We are all part of the family and we are all pro-family, but there are circumstances that can be a danger to the family. I gave the example of the very tragic recent cases of incest, where both parents were sexually abusing their children. Only a lunatic would support the behaviour of that family just because it was a family. I completely accept Senator O'Malley's reservations and the point made by Senator White that these are the exceptions. Nevertheless, it is appropriate that this House should tease them out.