David Norris (Independent)

I am very taken by what the Minister said. First, I commend him on the information he provided to the House in his Second Stage speech yesterday where he made it clear that he was not accepting at face value the offer of property by various religious institutions because the value had been inflated. This is a terrible situation and the State must be judicious in ensuring that it does not accept the valuation of one party to the deal. The property concerned must be independently assessed and we must get value for money. There is no point in the religious institutions offering land or buildings that are of no value and can serve no purpose for the people who need them. Redress is required. I strongly commend the Minister in that regard. I believe this House will unanimously support him.

Where there may be difficulty is with the other issue he has raised, which I am very glad he did, namely, the referendum on the rights of the child. I am very sorry to say-----