Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Minister on producing what is an outstanding Bill. It is one of the best Bills to be placed before my eyes since I became a Senator 18 months ago. I say this because it goes to the heart of what we want or would like to be as a nation. It is extremely well written, explained, outlined and referenced. I disagree, therefore, with the idea that it is vague. It is perhaps its simplicity that makes people think it is vague. It is, however, true, innovative, brave and real.

I have just one short comment to make on the Bill and the issues involved. We live in a world, society, community, country and culture that is witnessing the disappearance of childhood. Childhood has been amalgamated with and internalised in a kind of mini-adulthood. We no longer rear children, rather we rear mini adults. They are no longer regarded as children but as mini adults, as can be seen in advertising and marketing, on television and the Internet, in fashion, music, food and lifestyle. Therefore, what the Minister has done is restore the concept, idea, needs, hopes, possibilities and voice of children as their inalienable human rights. This is the strength of the Bill for all children - their recognition as children, not as mini adults. This is most important, not only with regard to children at risk but to all children in the most precious, provocative and formative years of their lives which can make the difference between a life of loss and a life of hope.