Government treatment of Commencement matters
Senator Craughwell argued the Constitution and family law debates were being misrepresented and said Government treatment of the House was outrageous; the Cathaoirleach replied that Ministers generally attend Commencement matters and said he would address the issue later.
I do not wish to interrupt the Senator but we had a debate last week on the referendum.
Comment on this
This is the Order of Business. On what specific issue is the Senator seeking a debate?
Comment on this
I am seeking a debate on the McKenna judgment being respected by both Houses and any other agency funded by the State.
Comment on this
We have an obligation to tell the truth. As I stated, Article 41.1.1° places marriage on a different bar or level from a durable relationship. It is there in black and white for everybody to see. Article 42B offers no practical support for families with disabled people. What happened here during Commencement matters this morning is outrageous and indicative of the way this House is treated by the Government all the time.
Comment on this
The Senator's last comment is not accurate. I will comment at the end of the Order of Business but, to be fair to Ministers, in the main we have seen an increase in the number of Cabinet Ministers here for Commencement matters. I will address it at the end of the Order of Business. It is misinformation.