Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Professor Binchy and Mrs. Justice McGuinness. Would they agree that the difficulties, particularly with regard to suicide, have paralysed any positive development over the past 20 or 30 years? I refer to this morning's presentation by the representative of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties. He stated that irrespective of what proposal comes forward, it may end up in the Supreme Court. Based on the experience of the issue over the past 20 years, is there merit in splitting the decision? There is almost unanimous agreement that the 1861 Act should be repealed and replaced, and that legislation on the guidelines for medical procedures should be introduced. I suggest these issues should be dealt with. The issue of suicide and any related issues, as well as the need for a constitutional amendment, could then be considered separately. The Government has already decided to bring forward legislation. It is hoped that the legislation for dealing with the medical procedures could be enacted without an appeal to the Supreme Court, although the other issue will almost certainly end up in the Supreme Court. However, legislation on the medical guidelines would provide protection for the likes of the master of the National Maternity Hospital who is looking for protection in the practice of her profession.