Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I would have expected the Minister of State to have availed of the opportunity since Committee Stage to come back with a form of wording that would meet the concerns of the Opposition Deputies, and it is regrettable he has not done so. I do not believe he has reassured those Deputies, including myself, who have put forward amendments that the points raised by us are either already covered or are superfluous or inappropriate. Far too often, legislation becomes reliant upon phrases such as "in so far as practicable". It is in such situations that the State is often absolved of what should be in all circumstances a duty or responsibility. Such language is too often used in legislation to allow the State an "out" which will ultimately give rise to situations where children are not only in a position of vulnerability but will, in effect, suffer.

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