Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a matter of national importance and I commend Senator Norris for raising it in the House. I also thank the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs for giving a wonderful explanation as to the position on this matter. I commend Senator Norris for his strong call for a ?Yes? vote in Saturday?s referendum.

The Supreme Court decision has no impact on the forthcoming proposed amendment to the Constitution. This referendum, as spelled out by Members and the Minister earlier, is about protecting vulnerable children, supporting families, giving children a voice and treating all of our children equally, particularly in adoption. Saturday?s referendum will allow people to have their say on this and respond to the many reports, which we have debated in this House, on improving child protection. It will ultimately be the people?s choice and I urge the people to vote ?Yes? for children?s protection in the Constitution.