Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join other speakers in the hope there will be a large turnout of voters for the children's rights referendum on Saturday. Like others, I was appalled when watching "The Frontline". I raised this as a potential issue at the beginning of the campaign. The McKenna judgment leaves us in a situation where a referendum debate was stifled because of the judgment and gave a voice to people and organisations who came out with all sorts of scare-mongering and ridiculous statements advocating a "No" vote. I urge people to exercise their vote on Saturday. I advocate a "Yes" vote but the main point is that people should vote in numbers in order that a good percentage of the population will fully endorse this measure which is so significant for children and Ireland.

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, has indicated an intention to bring the enacted Charities Act into being in the near future. It was delayed because of the cost attached to it and the fact that a charities regulatory authority was required. I am pleased to note that the Minister has decided on a consultative process with all stakeholders, including charities, in advance of the enactment. It will lead to best practice and allow the public to have trust and confidence in charities.