Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Given that this is an extremely important matter I ask the Minister to consider appointing an objective committee, commission or group - I exclude the Law Reform Commission because its views are already on the record - to look at international surveys which have been done, especially in the United States and Great Britain, with regard to the impact on children of the various kinds of relationships. We would thereby have some international comparisons and could consider the matter in the House. This is a very complex area and it needs to be evaluated objectively and comprehensively. Obviously, we should look at international practices and experience in that regard. I put that as a genuine suggestion to the Minister.

No Member in this House has any priority in regard to family values or anything else. We must approach this collectively and must ensure we make the right decisions. Although I have a very firm view as to what I think is best in this regard, I believe it should be fairly, objectively and independently evaluated.