Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

As I have said numerous times, in order to protect and safeguard our children, if the Government can complete the Bill with the legal people who are working with us on this matter, the Whip will ask the House to sit for a period next week so we can pass the Bill. That is our intention. I must again correct Deputy Rabbitte — it was not a question that the Government could not agree this morning. We must examine all aspects of this matter, as I explained earlier. We want to ensure we protect our children properly with legislation that stands the test of time. We must do it appropriately and we have to make sure we get that right.

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