Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second Senator MacSharry's amendment to the Order of Business. I also thank the Cathaoirleach for his welcome to my family today.

On 10 December 2015, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Reilly, signed the commencement order on the removal of the defence of reasonable chastisement in cases of corporal punishment under section 28 of the Children First Act 2015. This amendment came about through the work of Senator van Turnhout and was supported unanimously by this House. It was a marvellous step forward and Members have provided and done the State great service and have done the children of Ireland a great service henceforth. Furthermore, on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, is it not appropriate, in that the Proclamation refers to treating children equally? Senator van Turnhout tabled that amendment, which was accepted by the Minister, Deputy Reilly, which has been brought into force. It does not change family relationships at all but takes away the defence of immunity from criminal liability essentially for striking a child. This is of great importance and I make the point to the Cathaoirleach, the Leader of the House, the Minister, Senator van Turnhout and every Member of this House - which unanimously supported this move - that it was not initiated in Dáil Éireann but in this House. This House deserves credit for this, as well as for many other amendments that have been made over the course of 2015. The Leader has brought much innovation to the House in his own way, which has resulted in amendments being accepted by the Government on his initiation. Moreover, I note that most debates are given unlimited time, although I accept there is some tidying up under way at present. However, throughout the year, the Leader has given adequate time for detailed debates, which have resulted in Ministers returning after Committee Stage to table amendments on Report Stage on the basis of amendments tabled by Members of this House.