Ms Orla O'Connor:

In response to Deputy Kelleher, that was the point I was trying to make about the legislation being limited. We are talking about the X case and where there is a risk to the life of a woman. The number of cases involved is small and in our view it will not help the vast majority of women who are travelling to Britain. We absolutely recognise that and it is why we think that while the legislation is urgent, we must take our heads out of the sand about abortion in Ireland.

Much of the discussion has related to suicide but we must remember that was the basis of the X case. In some ways, there is no choice about including it or not, it must be done because that is what the judgment stated. Deputy Healy asked about the manipulation of doctors. Even since these hearings started, and before in the campaign run by the women's council, one of the things that has come across is that women must be trusted and the medical profession must be trusted. From our perspective, and from the stories we have been told by women, thinking about having an abortion and going to have one is a very difficult decision; it is surrounded with difficulty and stigma, as is mental health. The notion that women will suddenly want to do this is appalling and it is insulting to women.

Post-abortion care has come up with our members and with those women who have contacted us. A huge problem around post-abortion care is that for so many women, they do not want to admit to having an abortion. They do not tell their families or friends; often they only tell the person who is travelling with them. Accessing services is a real difficulty and part of that relates to the removal of the stigma and the decriminalisation of this area. We must create a completely different environment around abortion so women can go and seek help and seek post-abortive care, even in terms of the services as they currently exist.

Deputy Ó Caoláin asked about services being financially accessible. This is an important point and it was raised by Mr. Anand Grover, the UN rapporteur on the right to health. Following the legislation and regulation, the Government must then provide within the universal health care plans and service plans within the HSE that economic hardship does not act as a barrier. This must be given consideration.

The National Women's Council absolutely supports the recommendation in the report of the expert group for legislation and regulation.

Deputy Conway asked about women accessing medication over the Internet. This issue was raised by CEDAW, it is very important and it goes back to the wider issue about fear and stigma about seeking help. Some of our members have told us about the fear that exists about even seeking information about travelling. That is a constant issue. Part of the reason that is happening is because women do not feel comfortable about travel or their own situation.