David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I heard Senator Ó Clochartaigh's cogent arguments about disassociating the two. I do not see any reason not to accept the amendment. The Minister of State has not yet said that he is utterly rejecting it. I ask him to consider it. I am here this evening. I would really like to have been able to talk about the issues that were discussed earlier this afternoon but I had a long-standing dental appointment. A Member of the Seanad can have a long-standing dental appointment and other people can be kept out of the House for important matters because of particular circumstances.

There have been cases where the matters to which the amendment relates have arisen, including those of a pregnant woman and somebody involved in international sport. These exceptional matters need to be considered. For that reason, it seems to me that reporting requirements ought to take into account the personal circumstances of an applicant. I wonder whether this Government will take on board amendment No. 31. To my astonishment, it has refused to accept amendments relating to taking the best interests of children into account. I must say to Senator Ó Clochartaigh, through the Chair, that if the Government is not prepared to take the best interests of children into account, it is a bit naive to expect it to have regard to the personal circumstances of an applicant because there seems to be something ruthless about the way this legislation is being barged through.

I am not sure how many, if any, of these amendments have been accepted. Can anyone tell me if any of them have been accepted so far?