Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was hoping to contribute before the Minister of State because I wanted to appeal to her to try to find a way through this situation in order that we would not need to push the motion to a vote. I appreciate the efforts that she outlined. The motion has stilled the House and I compliment its proposer and seconder. It has challenged the way we do our business politically, and not a minute too soon. It is ridiculous that, too often, there are two sides on matters like this.

The Minister of State concluded on the basic point, that is, we should have the right to choose how we live our lives. I understand the motion to mean a right to choose a care model that would suit the family and child in question. According to Senator Mary Ann O'Brien's proposal, the home care model saves the State nine times the cost. If we reject this motion, there must be a fundamental difficulty within the Government. Could we validate the figures? It is interesting that the Minister of State has spoken with the Minister, Deputy Reilly, who has offered the relevant organisations an invitation to talks. Before the House divides, that invitation is worthy of consideration.

A number of months ago, the House's discussion with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, on the issue of prostitution met with some success. The Independents tabled that motion. As was our request, the Minister reverted to the House within six months. I do not know whether Senator Mary Ann O'Brien is in a position to hear me.