Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses for coming here this morning. The past three days have been the most enlightening part of my public life. I have read all of the submissions. I was really taken aback by Bishop Jones's submission and found some of its disturbing language offensive. I was glad to hear him say in his opening statement that he spoke on behalf of the mothers in the Catholic Church. I am one of those. Over the past three days I have thought more about my role as a mother than anything else, even as a legislator. I have thought about my four beautiful daughters and my wonderful handsome son who occasionally come to me or my husband for guidance or to talk about different issues. I have always believed, as my religion taught me, that there is a loving, compassionate God and that religion is based on love. My contribution to the committee will be based on what I have heard already today, what I will hear this evening and on my belief in a loving God.

Dr. Jackson is right. No abortion is desirable. In some cases it is necessary. I do not believe any member of this committee or any Member of the Oireachtas believes that widespread abortion will be introduced. Do the witnesses here this morning believe that we as legislators will use prudential judgment in forming legislation from these hearings?