Senator Micheál Carrigy

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has assured residents that AIB is hopeful that its 24 hour ATM facility in Rush will be retained.

I congratulate the Minister on the work she has done so far to prepare for the referendum. I am delighted that there is cross- party support for the proposal. I look forward to canvassing for a "Yes" vote in the referendum on 10 November next.

I join other speakers in welcoming the introduction of the constitutional amendment. I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and her ministerial colleagues on the time, effort and dedication that went into the preparation of the proposal which is before us today

Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, of the payment of the two vital funding schemes, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (DAS) and the Agri-Environmental Options Scheme (AEOS).

Shakespeare wrote: "Defer no time, delays have dangerous consequences." Over past years, we have let down the children of Ireland and have allowed children's lives be ruined and destroyed.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South Olivia Mitchell TD has today welcomed the announcement of a long-overdue upgrade of the junction at Overend Way/Balally Luas Station.

To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the person's who may become a member of the panel of advisors of the new independent advisory service for mortgage holders; if her attention has been drawn to concerns among professions such as financial brokers that they will suffer from loss competitive advantage if they are admitted to this scheme at a much later date; if she will give consideration to immediately admitting such professions which are well regulated and meet the criteria of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter?

I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss the Thirty-First Amendment to the Constitution (Children) Bill. This is vital and entirely worthy legislation

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.

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.