Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I had intended to speak against Senator van Turnhout's amendment but I am delighted that she added the last few lines. Few in this House have defended the rights of children as much as she has. In standing up to speak against what she has just said I had that at the back of my mind. Senator van Turnhout has worked on getting the Bill moved through the Houses and I want nothing to impede its passage. That is why I would have spoken against it. In fairness to the Senator, while there are ethnic groups in Ireland who would favour marriage from the age of 16 onwards, there is also the issue of forced marriage. I ask Minister in the next year or two to monitor the numbers, ethnic backgrounds and the rationale behind those who marry under the age of 18 years. I see the Senator shaking her head.