Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Of course. I wish to support Senators Darragh O'Brien, Bacik and Norris who was particularly passionate in his contribution in their comments on next Saturday's referendum. An all-party committee appointed by the previous Government brought forward the first wording in respect of this matter which was agreed by all of the parties. That committee was chaired by Mary O'Rourke, who did an excellent job. The previous Government brought forward a particular wording and the current Administration has put forward its own wording. I commend the latter on putting this issue to the people in a referendum in such austere times. This matter is being dealt with approximately 40 to 50 years too late. During that period, young people have been deprived of the right to have responsible parents and to be adopted in the appropriate circumstances. The necessary safeguards are in place. I commend all those who are supporting the constitutional amendment.

The comments and statements made on Monday's edition of "The Frontline" were bizarre and completely outrageous. I concur with Senator Norris in that regard. I resent continued references to the "Roscommon case". The way in which this case is referred to infers that people in Roscommon ignored what occurred.