Seanad debates

Wednesday, 3 October 2012

Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill 2012: Committee Stage

 

11:35 am

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tairgim leasú a 1:


I gCuid 1, leathanach 7, líne 6, ?go comhionann? a chur isteach i ndiaidh ?uile?,
agus
I gCuid 2, leathanach 9, líne 5, ?equally? a chur isteach i ndiaidh ?children?.
I move amendment No. 1:
In Part 1, page 6, line 6, after ?uile? to insert ?go comhionann?,
and
In Part 2, page 8, line 5, after ?children? to insert ?equally?.
I move this amendment because it is important that the word "equally" be included. Sinn Féin Members in both Houses have expressed broad support for the proposed wording of the amendment, but we have also pointed out that it differs from the text agreed to by the all-party committee. By adding the word "equally" we could enhance the wording of the proposed article. If we are to adhere to the true meaning of the 1916 Proclamation which promised to cherish all the children of the nation equally, this would be a significant and important amendment.

The purpose of the amendment is to provide strong protection for children and make a real difference in their lives. This means all children, regardless of whether they are from disadvantaged backgrounds, members of the Traveller community or suffering from poverty. We held a number of good debates on these issues in the context of previous Bills and have called for Government policies to be both poverty-proofed and child-proofed. This is important, given the reality faced by many children in the State, with more than 100,000 living in poverty. We must examine how we deliver services and be honest in admitting that the State did not cherish all the children equally in many of the services for which it was responsible. Many children are on waiting lists for health care or suffering because of housing policies which drive families into inappropriate accommodation. If we are truly to deliver on the logic of the referendum, we have to go beyond words to ensure children and their rights are put at the centre of Government policies.

I am sure the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs appreciates Sinn Féin's position on these issues. We supported the all-party committee and Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin was vocal in expressing his support for doing the right thing by children and learning from the mistakes of the past. We genuinely want to arrive at a wording that will enable or, in some cases, force the State to do the right thing by children. That is the purpose of the amendment. I look forward to hearing the Minister's response.

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