Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are many rich people everywhere else as well, including a few of them in this House.

It is important that society has now recognised the need for this legislation. Whether we like it or not, and regardless of whether other interest bodies should take issue and interfere in families' and children's lives, this legislation obliges the State to assert its responsibilities and authority in ensuring that the children are protected in all kinds of situations, be they rich or poor, well-off or not so well-off, educated or not so well-educated. That is an important milestone for us to recognise in accordance with the Constitution and I strongly support the sentiments behind it.

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