David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I deplore the fact that a group of duly elected Members of the Oireachtas were inhibited from making their position on the children's referendum clear. I am not convinced by the argument that, as my colleague, Senator Mullen, said, they were leeching off taxpayers' money. I am not sure what taxpayers' money was involved in holding an event in Merrion Square. That seems to be a very wide interpretation of the law. Perhaps it was a telephone call. I would also welcome the fact that if there are Members of the Oireachtas who have a conscientious difficulty with this referendum, they too should have the same facilities. It is extremely important this matter is debated. Will the Deputy Leader pass on to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Fitzgerald, my strong support and say that I, and I am sure a lot of other people, would be happy to join in a larger telephone call? It would not just be a committee but it would be all Members of the Oireachtas who support this. It is a judgment call.

As somebody who has been involved and interested in this area, particularly through the guardian ad litem system and so on, the Roscommon incest case, for example, was vitiated by the absence of a strong constitutional provision to protect the rights of a child. It is vital that we have a strong turnout. The worst possible thing would be if there was a low turnout and the result, whichever way it goes, was questioned.

I addressed a meeting this morning in the National College of Ireland near the Irish Financial Services Centre and this was one of the issues which came up. Questions were raised but, on balance, people felt this was a very important issue. The institutions need to be properly financed in that very small number of cases where children are taken into the care of the State. We have to ensure the care of the State is appropriate and better but, tragically, there is a tiny number of cases where the family is not the best place.

Let us have a discussion and publicity and let us not inhibit discussion on this matter. As I said, I am sure many of my colleagues would take the advantage of this apparent setback. Get out into Merrion Square, St. Stephen's Green or Parnell Square and let us all show the flag and appeal to our friends, family and constituents to come out with a resounding answer, whichever it is, in favour of the children of this country.