Most Reverend Dr. Michael Jackson:

I have had an increasing concern in the past three days, not specifically in this morning's gathering. It relates to how suicide is becoming a third person issue. It is always a first person issue. Throughout Ireland we are conscious of the turmoil and torment for individuals, those who love and care for them and those who do not love themselves.

It is important to remember something that has been mentioned. Up to 130,000 women in a period of many years have had abortions. If I may use a phrase from another context, they have joined the disappeared. We are not in a real sense able to assess their torment. I am concerned that, regardless of what legislation or regulations are introduced, there should be an ongoing commitment to sympathetically supporting people who for whatever reason go through with an abortion. The torment continues for the individual. If we turn this into a third person issue, it is not real to the human condition.