James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The Government has no excuse if it ends up before a court in the future and the judge asks why, knowing the clear danger existed, this protection was not afforded to our children.

Tonight is a night for walking the walk. So many times before, Government Deputies have stood up and talked the talk and then walked up those aisles and voted against the very thing they spoke for. Let not tonight be one of those nights. If this decision was right in August, why is it wrong now in November? Reverse this penny wise, pound foolish, morally bankrupt decision. Tá mná agus páistí na hÉireann ag féachaint orainn anocht. Ná teip orthu. Vote for this motion. Vote for this generation of children because they are our future.

I commend the motion to the House.

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