Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I disagreed fundamentally with the motivation behind holding the referendum and I disagree with Senator McDowell's description of the motivation, as I disagree with the Government's depiction of the background to the 2004 referendum. I still say it was a dog-whistle referendum - no doubt about that. It was opportunist. However, I am grateful to Senator McDowell for expressing his support. As he said, this is a sensible way to regularise the position. None of us is against the exercise of discretion. There is clearly a place for discretion. Like many colleagues, I have sought the exercise of discretion in respect of families and individuals. However, as Senator Nash said, a whole system cannot be built on discretion. We need a structure in place to deal with the small number of children who are affected and are currently facing such severe uncertainty.