Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I become disturbed when I hear Ministers say they agree with the principle of an amendment but cannot legislate for it. This indicates to me that while what is proposed is good and right and should be done and while we need to protect the weaker, we will not play ball because the bigger guys will not do so.

It is good and right and should be done. We must protect the weak. Because the stronger, bigger guys will not play ball, neither will we. This can be much more than aspirational. Ireland has the opportunity to take a lead and make the bigger nations ask themselves whether they are prepared to translate the principle which everybody accepts is a good one into action. Unless some nation takes a stand and translates the principle into action, everybody will hide under the cloak of it being a good idea and "Lord, make me pure, but not yet".