Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

That is correct. They deal with the issue of children, which includes the guardianship issue to which other speakers have referred. There are issues that need to be carefully evaluated and examined. We have to be mindful of where children bond in a relationship. If civil partnership had gone on over a number of years and children had been living in a good, low conflict environment, that should be taken into account. It cannot be taken into account without regard to the biological fathers. There are many problems with that.

These complex issues should be examined fairly, openly and objectively. It is essential that we get commissions and vehicles that will do that. If I want to count my chickens, I will not send the fox in to do it for me. We need to be careful with who we put in charge of these jobs on behalf of the State.