Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me tell a short story that I may have told Senators previously. Ten or 11 years ago, I met a young man whom I had been told had been about to commit suicide ten or 15 minutes previously. I asked what I was going to do and how I could ensure it would not happen. I got into my car and drove to the young man's grandmother's house, where he was at the time. I went into the kitchen, where the young man was standing with his back to the fire. He was in great form, talking to everybody. He did not ask me why I was present. I was present because I had been told by the last person I had spoken to that he was going to commit suicide. On looking at the young man, I said to myself that it was ridiculous and that it would not in any way happen. I did not have a clue how to proceed. I was an ordinary guy and was connected to the young man through football, which he played. I probably got talking to him about the contribution he could make to his team and stated I wanted to see him back playing football. This happened. The man is now married and has three children. I do not take any credit.

What are the main issues faced by the panellists in establishing the facts when a woman says to them she is suicidal and mentally ill and wants an abortion? I have great confidence in mothers and mothers-to-be. I am aware that rapes happen within marriages. What is the panel's view on issues that arise regarding rape in marriage?