Dr. Matthew Sadlier:

I will try to be as quick as possible. In response to Deputy Naughten's comment regarding employment of staff, we would be very opposed to a doctor's status of conscientious objection being a criterion in whether he or she attains a post in a facility. We would view that as similar to discrimination based upon religious, gender or other grounds. The other question that was directed towards us was Senator Walsh's question on proper psychiatric care. We would envisage that at all stages in this procedure - before the decision is made, during the decision and after the decision, whichever way it goes - all women involved in this would receive the maximum and best evidence-based medical and psychological care, including their family members if necessary. We included this in our submission to emphasise the need for adequate resources, because the health services are struggling and the mental health services are struggling more than most of the others.