Seanad debates

Wednesday, 3 October 2012

Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages

 

5:35 pm

Photo of Jillian van TurnhoutJillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on her achievement in bringing this proposal through the Oireachtas. Many have promised, but it is she who has delivered. The word "historic" is overused, but, like Senator Cáit Keane, I am minded to clap as the legislation completes its passage through the Houses, ready to go before the people on 10 November. The Minister took the time to consider all of the expertise at her disposal and the work already done by Members of the Oireachtas, members of civil society and various non-governmental organisations. It is no small achievement to have found a balance in what is proposed such that we all find ourselves not merely supporting the amendment but heartily supporting it. In the midst of an unprecedented economic recession, there is something powerful to behold in a proposal that unites people across a range of views and positions in the endeavour to confirm the rights of children, atone for the failures of the past and draw a strong line in the sand in terms of what is required to protect our children's future. It is difficult to overestimate the significance of what has been achieved and I am immensely proud of our collective efforts.

The debate in the House yesterday and today and the debate in the Dáil last week have shown that Oireachtas Members are very well informed on the issue of children's rights. Our job now is to get the message across to the electorate. Just as children were in the past expected to be seen and not heard, we must ensure the forthcoming referendum campaign is not merely about posters but also about engaging the public in a meaningful debate on the proposal before them. People want to be informed. All the groups to which I have spoken want to know what the amendment means. We have heard expert input from Senators in this Chamber; the challenge now is to ensure people come out and vote. The decision to hold the referendum on a Saturday, something for which many of us have called in past ballots, presents an interesting variable. We all have a role to play in encouraging a good turnout.

I hope the people say "Yes" to this constitutional amendment on 10 November. Our work will begin in earnest if and when the referendum is passed. The provisions set out in the amendment place a huge onus on the Oireachtas to legislate for the changes that we all agree are required in order to protect the children of the country.

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