Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fail)

The amendments, as drafted, have some merit, as does Senator Mullen's contribution. For too long, we have swept under the carpet issues related to children and their welfare. I do not want to say there is blood on many people's hands on that issue, but we do not have a proud history in the manner in which we have dealt with children's rights. As a matter of urgency we need to bring forward the amendment to the Constitution enshrining children's rights. We need to review the area of the de facto family cohabitants. We need to be upfront and realise that biologically gay people can have children. As I said on Second Stage we do not wish to create children of a lesser god and we need to ensure those children are protected. If our past has taught us anything it is the need to ensure that children are protected for the common good. There is great merit in parking this issue to one side, but not for long. We need to move on it immediately in separate legislation.