Bernard Durkan, TD

Like other speakers, I welcome the introduction of this Bill. It is very important and was long sought by many Members. I claim credit for raising this issue on the Order of Business for at least five years

I am glad to have an opportunity to speak on this important legislation. For many years lip service has been paid to the need to recognise the needs of children, especially those who may be vulnerable.

I thank my colleague, Deputy Breen, for sharing time in this most important debate. Like other speakers, I compliment the Attorney General and the Government on reaching a clear decision without equivocation and deciding to hold a referendum not because a referendum is absolutely necessary, but because if there was even the slightest possibility of somebody bringing a constitutional challenge to the Supreme Court between now and the passing of legislation, it would be a disaster. I compliment all concerned as it is the correct way to go.

I compliment Deputy Donnelly on bringing this Bill before the House and for giving time for a discussion on a matter of this nature. The Minister has rightly identified the personal insolvency Bill as an important matter, along with mortgage relief. Of all the subjects on which I have spent time since I became a Member, this is the subject I have dealt with most. I agree with the Minister that there are several misconceptions about this issue.

Like other speakers, I welcome the introduction of this Bill. It is very important and was long sought by many Members. I claim credit for raising this issue on the Order of Business for at least five years

I am glad to have an opportunity to speak on this important legislation. For many years lip service has been paid to the need to recognise the needs of children, especially those who may be vulnerable.

To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which his Department continues to be in direct contact with local arts groups, musical or dramatic societies in the context of offering financial or other support...

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

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

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he has influenced his colleagues at EU and UN level to focus on the on-going strife and loss of life in Syria.