Mr. Michael Nugent:

I will answer the question I was asked about whether I was being prescriptive. I am being the opposite of prescriptive. I am saying individual ethical decisions must be taken by individuals and that individual ethical decisions about pregnancy must be taken by the pregnant woman in conjunction and consultation with her medical team. The committee might be confused by the point I was making that the legislators are restrained by the 1983 amendment as interpreted by the Supreme Court in the X case. I wish that was not the case, legislators should not be restrained and should be able to pass laws based on the needs of Ireland today but until such time as we get rid of the 1983 amendment, that is not possible.

On the question of late abortions, if the foetus is viable, it will be delivered as a baby. That is what happens in hospitals; there are Caesarian deliveries every day in our hospitals so we should not invent problems that do not exist.