David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

While I have the greatest admiration for Senator Power, this is an appalling and ghastly amendment. First, regardless of whether the child wishes to be contacted, he or she will be faced with it and I do not think that is right. I think a child has a right to be left in ignorance if he or she wishes and I do not believe that Ministers contacting them all over the place is a good idea at all.

As for this stuff about the donor's occupation, hobbies and interests, how bloody invasive is that? In terms of hobbies, will it be a case of stating one likes playing with Meccano or has a collection of Dinky toys or has a stamp album or plays tennis or makes donations to the sperm bank? I am sorry, because Senator Power is a dear friend of mine and I have the greatest admiration for her, but I really think this is dreadful. I believe this is the first time I have disagreed with her but this amendment is awful. Eighteen years after one makes a sperm donation, one must keep up with one's hobbies, occupation and interests. How does one define interests? I simply do not agree with this amendment at all, although I probably am in a minority of one.