Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I join in Senator Darragh O'Brien's welcome for the result of the children's rights referendum and agree that lessons must be learned. There is a concern for us as politicians and wider civil society that a large portion of civil society could support such a measure, yet there was a low turnout. I suspect that the last couple of days of the campaign brought about a change of heart on the part of some persons who would have voted for the referendum. I strongly agree that we need to reflect.

I also agree with the Senator about the cuts to the home care package. The House needs a wider debate on the budget and budgetary measures. Perhaps we could have a full session, in the same way that committees have done, where Members of all parties could express their full and informed thoughts on various aspects that are under consideration for the upcoming budget. I believe the House has something to say on the subject.

I welcome Ireland's appointment to the United Nations Human Rights Council. It is a great achievement for the country and is an endorsement of our history of human rights advocacy. I congratulate the Tánaiste, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, on the part he played in bringing about that appointment.

I also welcome the Tánaiste's comments on gay marriage and the need for a constitutional referendum in this regard. We have made progress in the recognition of non-formal couples in recent years. As the Tánaiste rightly pointed out, however, it is merely a halfway house and does not represent equality.

I note that eight Irish authors have been longlisted for the IMPAC awards. It is a great achievement for a country of this size that our mark on the world of literature is so strong. I hope the eight authors who have been longlisted will be shortlisted.