News & Statements

Speech on the Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill

It is a long awaited and much needed initiative and I commend the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, the Taoiseach and the Cabinet on bringing it forward within 18 months of coming to office. I also welcome the cross-party support for the proposal in the House and the broader universal support from agencies working in the area of child welfare. Such a consensus is probably unique in the history of the State.

Speech on the Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill

It is a long awaited and much needed initiative and I commend the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, the Taoiseach and the Cabinet on bringing it forward within 18 months of coming to office. I also welcome the cross-party support for the proposal in the House and the broader universal support from agencies working in the area of child welfare. Such a consensus is probably unique in the history of the State.

Speech on the Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill

It is a long awaited and much needed initiative and I commend the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, the Taoiseach and the Cabinet on bringing it forward within 18 months of coming to office. I also welcome the cross-party support for the proposal in the House and the broader universal support from agencies working in the area of child welfare. Such a consensus is probably unique in the history of the State.

Speech on the Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on her handling of this very sensitive issue. It has been recognised for years that a constitutional amendment was required to guarantee that children's interests are foremost when the State is dealing with their rights.

Dáil Question addressed to the Minister for Justice and Equality

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the process whereby a member of the judiciary may be disciplined if they have not been able to fulfil their duties in a competent manner, if there has been any issue of misconduct or if there is a question over of their ability to practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Speech on the Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on her handling of this very sensitive issue. It has been recognised for years that a constitutional amendment was required to guarantee that children's interests are foremost when the State is dealing with their rights.

Dáil Question addressed to the Minister for Justice and Equality

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the process whereby a member of the judiciary may be disciplined if they have not been able to fulfil their duties in a competent manner, if there has been any issue of misconduct or if there is a question over of their ability to practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Speech on the Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill

In welcoming the Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill 2012 I compliment the Minister for Child and Youth Affairs, her staff and her officials on their tenacity, commitment and resolve in adopting a bipartisan, cross-party approach to bring the legislation before the House.