Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House and thank her for attending. We fully support this short Bill. It is a technical requirement that will streamline the order process.

The Minister mentioned that she was introducing this legislation as a matter of urgency following matters being brought to her attention. Did she mean issues arising in the courts, the HSE or elsewhere? Sometimes, amendments to original Acts are important, and this Act dates from 1991 and may not be as workable as it used to be.

I wish to address the Minister's Department. What position is it taking on the implementation of the recent referendum? When a referendum passes, there is a great deal of follow-up legislation. Without going into too great a level of detail, what changes have occurred since the people voted on the children referendum and will further legislation need to be laid before the House in terms of the referendum decision's implementation? It was an important issue and I compliment the Minister on seeing it through. Her appointment as the first full Minister for children at Cabinet has had a great impact on young people.

Today is a good opportunity to ask these questions. Perhaps the Minister might respond to them at the end of her contribution. What developments have there been since the people voted, how has the referendum affected the work of the Department and will further legislation be introduced? I am delighted that, as a former Leader of the Opposition, the Minister has availed of the Seanad to introduce her legislation. She will always receive a good welcome in this House. I commend her on this Bill, which I accept fully. I wish the Minister well in her Ministry.