Seanad debates

Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Children and Family Relationships Bill 2015: Second Stage

 

12:00 pm

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House for what is groundbreaking legislation which successive Governments should have introduced many years ago. Governments right across the political divide are at fault in this regard. The situation in regard to guardianship and the law relating to it is outdated, but not for long. The legislation before the House reflects a new Ireland in which, as Senator Averil Power has rightly said, where there are different types of family units, and there are children in these family units. All children deserve to know both their parents. I share Senator Averil Power's concern about certain limitations. Most will agree that we will be 80% to 90% of way with this legislation. It is an enormous start. It is a reflection of what the Government has achieved by having created a Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in 2011 followed by the children's rights referendum. The Government's legacy certainly will be that it is bringing all matters relating to children up to date, which is only right and proper.

I look forward to a constructive debate as the Bill goes through its various Stages this week. What we are doing is crucial not only for people now but for generations to come. I will not detain the House any longer. An e-mail has come forward in recent minutes indicating that a number of amendments will be tabled on Committee Stage. We need to debate these and our obligations to children and children's rights will be put centre stage in terms of the legislative process.

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