Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House and congratulate her in the strongest possible way on the magnificent work she has done in bringing this referendum before the people. While it has been forthcoming for many years, the Minister has brought it through.

The people and the children of Ireland will forever be indebted to her for that. I ask those who might be contemplating voting "No" whether they want to say that the rights of children should not be recognised in the highest law in the land. Do they believe that in the rare cases where parents fail, the State should not intervene? Do they believe we should not make important changes to update this country's adoption law? Do they believe we should ensure the views of the child are not taken into account? Do they believe the best interests of children should not be at the heart of all decisions that are made? I ask them not to go out to vote until they have reflected on those questions. When they have done that, they can vote on this matter with a clear conscience. I congratulate the Minister again.