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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Presidency and women in the home

Summary

Senator Norris says he was ready to raise the presidency but moves instead to a qualified defence of recognizing parenting in the home. The Chair closes the exchange and invites the Leader to respond.

Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

In 1966, he was no garsún either.

Comment on this
David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

I was going to raise the issue of the Presidency and the totally undemocratic response of the main political parties. I was intimidated, however, by the prospect of a bombardment from the Leader, so I am not going to correct his inaccurate remarks of yesterday.

Comment on this

The Senator is a great one for bombardment himself, and it is no harm for the Senator to be checked in the House, for once.

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Having said that-----

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David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

With regard to the position of women in the home, I believe it is interesting that there is an argument, in my opinion, for a modified form of that. I believe we should respect the role of woman in the home, and of man in the home, of parents in the home. I believe that it is completely appropriate that no person should be forced by economic necessity out of being a parent in the home. I think it is a wonderful vocation, whether it is a man or a woman, to look after the children. I believe it must be one of the most glorious things in life, and I believe that the State should do everything it can to ensure that this possibility remains open to people of either sex.

I must say also that the principal person is the woman. She gives birth to the child. In many cases, she breastfeeds the child. That is something a man could try but it would not be much use for the child. I support a modified view of this. I do not think we should eradicate this completely.

Comment on this
Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

I thank the Senator for those enlightening remarks. The Leader to respond.

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