Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If it were possible, it would be ideal to incorporate Senator Cullinane's sentiments. We have to acknowledge that children are born into varying circumstances, including socio-economic and attitudinal. As a consequence I am persuaded by the Minister's response. I acknowledge she has done a good job in crafting the amendment for the Constitution. There was a certain challenge in balancing the rights of the family and the rights of the child in a way that everybody of reasonable views could subscribe to. I ask the Minister about the clause "due regard for the natural and imprescriptible rights of the child."

Does the Minister accept that such an important phrase should include the right of children to a father and a mother and to know their identity? An issue that has often cropped up but has never really been addressed is the lack of involvement by fathers and, in some instances, their not accepting their responsibility for having brought a child into the world. It is wrong and the State should seek to ensure that fathers meet their obligations. Sometimes they are excluded from the rearing and development of their children. Perhaps this is due to a fractious relationship with the natural mother. The issue must also be examined.

I like the phrase used in the amendment because it covers some of the issues that I have and shall raise. For many years I have been a strong advocate for children knowing the identity of their natural parents and for them to be involved. I accept that in exceptional circumstances parents do not measure up to fulfilling their parental responsibilities. Adoption should be allowed when that happens.

The State should use every effort to assist and work with families that need a little assistance to be good family units and parents. That is the ideal and any move away from that stance on child welfare would seriously concern me.