Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I concur with the previous comments. The feedback from outside the House has been that these meetings have been conducted very well and professionally. As the Chairman knows, that is only symptomatic of the quality of the debate that goes on in this House every sitting day, even since he left. He and I had a conversation prior to this and I thank him and the members of the committee for the opportunity given to those of us on both sides of the divide, who have deeply held genuine convictions on this fundamental question of life, to participate in the hearings. I thank the Chairman and committee members personally too. I pay tribute to and thank the witness groups who came in over the past three days. It was obvious that they put considerable work into preparing and presenting their submissions to us. It was obvious too that the Members had done considerable homework which stood out in the quality of the questions.

Despite the process having been rushed, which was not the Chairman’s fault or that of the committee but was imposed on them, we have garnered much useful and good information from the witnesses. I was reassured about the quality of maternal health in Ireland. Everyone who came from the medical profession said that the current legal position does not in any way undermine their ability to provide good quality service. The psychiatrists were unanimous, including those who are pro-choice, that abortion is never a treatment for suicidal ideation.

Obstetricians are looking for legal protection because they feel exposed. One said they could be jailed which is probably unlikely but they are entitled to say that. Some are concerned that legislation could in some way impact negatively on their ability to provide an effective service to mothers. I appeal to the Chairman, and he said this morning that the committee will consider this, to give these people the opportunity to be heard. Without our views being presented there is no way that the hearings can be described as fair and balanced. I urge the Minister to listen carefully and to reflect on what was said here and not rely on any preconceived notions about which way the Government wants to go. If he does that nobody will have difficulty.