Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their evidence. Regarding head 6, the Minister and Dr. Holohan referred to how the formal review pathway was in addition to, rather than in substitution for, a woman's seeking a second opinion. If so, and I believe it should be the case, does it mean that a woman who is unsatisfied with the first decision can, instead of going through the appeals process, search for two other consultants until she gets a determination that suits her? How will the system work in reality?

On a related point - namely, suicidal ideation and self-destruction - two psychiatrists are required to make a determination of a risk of suicide. The review process also involves two psychiatrists. This country has only three perinatal psychiatrists. In January, the committee heard evidence that no service was available to women outside Dublin. The majority of women with suicidal ideation during pregnancy want to give birth to healthy babies. Will we spread limited resources thinly and concentrate on a small cohort to the neglect of women who have serious mental health issues? Will the witnesses assure members of the committee that adequate resources will be provided to treat those women with suicidal ideation who want to continue their pregnancies?

In Dr. Rhona Mahony's evidence to the committee in January, she asked whether a "substantial risk to life during pregnancy" was "a 10%, a 50%, an 80% or a 1% risk of dying". I do not see in the heads of the Bill an answer to that question. Perhaps the witnesses can provide an answer for us.