Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I share the view of parents. Of course they want strong legislation in this area. The Deputy has acknowledged that his party took the view that the legislation was too harsh. I suggest the vast majority of people wanted to maintain harsh legislation in this area. It stood the test of time for 70 years. It was upheld in the High Court in 2004. That is a fact. I do not believe there would have been a will in this House to change what was called harsh legislation and make it more liberal in this respect. I do not believe the political will would have existed to do that.

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