Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

I invoke the name of Ann Lovett whom we should never forget died giving birth to her son beside a church in January 1984, which was a shocking event. In a way what is happening in regard to the 16 year about whom there is currently much talk echos the type of carelessness and lack of regard for some of our children. It is hoped that it becomes apparent that what happened to this child is a unique situation. I pay tribute to those schools who have since the Ann Lovett event shown they have the capacity to care for children in schools. Many young women in similar situations have continued their schooling and received support from their schools and friends, which is important. It is hoped the school in question is an exception.

I support Senator Bacik's call on the Leader for a debate on child care, an issue on which there was much discussion and creative thinking during our debate on the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012. Rather than hand-wringing and expressing concern that we will find it difficult to find ways to cope with child care we should be turning our minds, as some people have, to finding solutions to this problem. That is what we need to do. The Minister has stated that she wants a bankable solution to this problem. The onus is on us to assist her and the Department in that matter.

I call for stability and calm in the discussion on the stability treaty. I call on Members to remind all those they know that 14 May is the last day on which people can register to vote.