Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator David Norris for speedily tabling a motion under Standing Order 30 and the Cathaoirleach for agreeing to take it. The House has shown that it can be proactive in dealing with urgent and serious matters. I welcome the Minister and thank her for coming to the House.

It was a shock to hear the decision of the Supreme Court this morning. It should have delivered a more comprehensive response, rather than waiting until 11 December, when a decision will be made in the referendum on 10 November. I do not blame the Government for being enthusiastic about the referendum because the issue was deliberated on in the Oireachtas and at the special committee of all Members of the Houses for three years. At this late stage every effort is being made to thwart the efforts of the people to vote on Saturday, but at the end of the day they will make the decision to vote "Yes". We have an opportunity to use whatever influence we have to ensure a "Yes" vote on Saturday, which is vitally important.

The position is that the McKenna judgment has been difficult for Governments since it was handed down. Of course, there must be a separation of the Supreme Court and the Oireachtas. However, the McKenna judgment has tied the hands of Governments on matters of great importance. As all parties in the two Houses have endorsed the referendum, it is important to re-energise the campaign in the next 48 hours in support of children. The referendum is 40 to 50 years too late. However, the Oireachtas is united in this regard and I will not use the opportunity to criticise the Government in its decision. However, because of the judgment all future Governments will have to be extremely careful to study the decision of the Supreme Court to ensure there will not be an over-enthusiastic endorsement of a proposal to ensure a "Yes" vote in a referendum. As Fianna Fáil spokesperson in the Seanad, I suggest this is not the time to debate the merits of the ruling, as that can be done later in a calmer light. I support Senator David Norris's enthusiastic endorsement in this regard. The hour is nigh. This opportunity will not be presented again for the children of Ireland.

I agree with Senator David Norris on the position of foster parents. How could one rear a child on the amount of money mentioned in this day and age? I fully realise the responsibility on such parents in providing accommodation, food, heat and lighting. This is an opportunity to say "thank you" to them for their work during the years. Many of them sought to adopt the beautiful children in their care but were deprived of the opportunity to do so under the Constitution. We will change this on Saturday with a clear "Yes" vote.