Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I did not speak on Second Stage, although I had hoped to do so. While I believe in the principle of the Bill, I am concerned about an anomaly in the area of the protection and welfare of children. The Minister indicated he would revisit this issue and Senator Mullen referred to child centred legislation. The Law Reform Commission will publish a report on how children will be protected. Will the Minister revisit the Bill on the issue of the protection of children? My only concern is that children may not be protected, specifically children from a previous relationship who find themselves disadvantaged as a result of the legislation. While I welcome the Bill, I am concerned about the protection of children.