The vast majority of us have grown up in a family, but what exactly does "family" mean these days? Is a child better off with two parents? Does it matter if the parents are of the same sex? And what if those parents are drug addicts, alcoholics or just bad, neglectful parents - should the state have the right to take the children into care or is a child's best interests always served by being with its "natural" family.
We've reached a turning point on the big questions surrounding the Irish family. Last week's passing of the civil partnership bill was the first major recognition by the state of gay couples - should it be followed by gay marriage and equal gay adoption rights or are we already undermining the institutions of marriage and family?
Should the state use its tax and welfare systems to actively promote marriage-based families as the best option or would that amount to discrimination against other types of families? And does the childrens rights referendum pose the risk of replacing the role of parents with the heavy hand of the "nanny state" in some childrens lives They're big questions and we'll be doing our best to tackle them on The Frontline tonight.
If you've got something to say you can post your comment below or email us at thefrontline@rte.ie
