Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I received a tweet earlier in which I was informed that Senator Bacik is trying to overturn the decision of a constitutional referendum. Said tweet contains many other assertions I will not relate to the House because they are far from complimentary. One tiny part in the relevant amendment to the Constitution states "unless provided for by law". It is open to the Government, therefore, to change the law. No child has a choice where he or she is born, but every country has a responsibility to ensure those born within its boundaries are looked after and provided with health and education. It is in our Constitution that they must be provided with education. I can see no reason for anybody to oppose the Bill, particularly as it will put something right in the simplest possible way. I agree with Senator Nash that, if push comes to shove, we will have to revert to a referendum. Must we do so?

The tools to put an extreme injustice right are within the Government's armoury. I ask the Minister of State to consider that and to save the Government the embarrassment of rejecting the Bill. He should tell us he will see us again on Committee Stage, at which point we can sort out the technicalities and any problems that arise.