Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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There has been much talk about going through the motions in approaching this legislation in the spirit in which it is intended. I was thrilled to see a very broad definition of family on page 10 of the Bill. It states "family" means spouse, parent, grandparent, step-parent, child, including a stepchild, grandchild, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister and any other person who, in the opinion of the agency, has a bona fide interest in the child. I do not think this could be any more explicit or reflect the modern family structures one will find. I am very proud of the fact that this is the definition of family the Government has chosen to include. For a very long time families have been excluded. This is good legislation which includes a very broad definition of family, which is to be commended.