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

Many of the questions have been covered already. I will not ask any questions but just make a comment. I thank all the witnesses for their clear presentation. I thank them for their time also.

The general practitioners' book states that a doctor has the duty to provide care, support and follow-up services for women who have had an abortion in another country. That is very clear. It is sad to think that many women probably do not realise that and follow-up on that when they return from England. We may need to consider linking people to those services if they make themselves available.

I am not here to consider open abortion in Ireland. That is not my job here today. My job is to listen to all the different submissions presented in recent days and to find some balance in legislation that will help more people, although perhaps not hundreds, not to have to leave this country. That is something we have to consider.

The key issue for me is sections 58 and 59 of the 1861 Act which must be examined. We have to support doctors so that they do not have to keep looking over their shoulders, so to speak, to ensure what they are doing is legally right.

I do not have much more to add other than to say that as a parent of girls I believe that education in safe sexual practice not only begins in school but at home also. We have a duty as parents to guide our children regarding sexual activity and to let them know the risks involved.