Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Senator Kelly did not mention that former Senator Mary O'Rourke was Leader of the House when the proposal to establish the Seanad Public Petitions Committee - with which she agreed - was originally put forward.

Actions speak louder than words. In that context, I call on the Taoiseach to hold the referendum on children's rights forthwith. It is in our power to hold such a referendum this year. There is nothing to prevent us from doing so. No other state is attempting to influence Ireland in the context of holding such a referendum. The all-party Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children reached agreement on a wording to be put to the people in such a referendum. A commitment in respect of holding a referendum is contained in the programme for Government. I am of the view that there would be unanimous agreement in this and the Lower House in respect of holding a referendum. In addition, I am sure there would be general agreement on the wording. The Government has been in office a number of months and it should hold this most important referendum during the current year.

Definite action is required in respect of the protection of children. What is happening throughout the country in respect of lay people and clerics is appalling. In that context, a lay person as opposed to a cleric was responsible for what happened at a school in Donegal. It would send out a message to the people if they were given the right to have their say and put children first by voting in a referendum.

I also wish to request that a debate on the Cloyne report be held next week. A reasoned debate on that matter would be worthwhile.