John Crown (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Indeed. Is the current situation adequately regulated? Is there a clear and present need for legislation? The argument that we do not need legislation has been advanced.

My second point is more contentious and I will understand if Professor Murphy's answer is somewhat nuanced. Over the years, those of us in our profession who have watched Medical Council elections have been aware of rumours of serious attempts at entryism by people wishing to advance particular agendas in terms of medical ethics. In light of the issues that have arisen in respect of emergencies and the number of doctors, was the decision not to make a specific determination a unanimous or a consensual position? Does the lack of a recommendation on emergencies and the number of doctors reflect the council's belief that such a recommendation was unnecessary or the fact that the council could not reach agreement on the matter? Looking at it from the outside, one would suspect that the latter may have been the case.

I have a technical question on behalf of those of us who find ourselves in this situation. My understanding of the interpretation of the 1992 referendum allowing freedom of information is somewhat different from that being outlined today. If I answer "Yes" when someone asks me whether her health will be enhanced if she has her pregnancy terminated, will I be in breach of Medical Council guidelines?