Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I strongly support the legislation because if we look after children from infancy to the age of six years, for most people that will ensure they will have good health. Putting in good foundations at that age will stand to them for the rest of their lives. That is the strong reason for supporting the Bill. I found it very hard to listen to the Fianna Fáil spokesperson, given the many opportunities Fianna Fáil had to do something about the matter. There is a very strong case to be made for looking after children up to the age of six years, as it would help to prevent problems arising. The majority of visits to GPs are made by people with small children and the elderly. The aim of the proposed change is to look after people's health. I strongly support the Bill.