Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am quick to point out that it is totally inappropriate to have any discussion on that particular subject.

Will the delegates clarify whether it is their view that in the event of a woman presenting with a seriously difficult pregnancy, there is an acceptance, in hospitals throughout the country, that the legislation will provide clarity, that it is necessary and that it will at least facilitate medical staff in giving a universal response to a particular emergency case? In regard to conscientious objection, to what extent is that principle equally distributed between the right to life of the mother and the right to life of the as-yet-unborn baby, bearing in mind that the Supreme Court has made a particular decision in a rare situation?

Reference has been made to the small number of cases that will be covered by this legislation. Senator John Crown observed that it does not really matter how small the number of cases is. In fact, in the event of a small number of cases arising, they may well end up in the Supreme Court, and it will be a matter for that court to adjudicate. If it is generally accepted that the rule of that court is supreme - that it is the law and it must prevail - then the legislation now before the Houses is required because it is in accordance with the court's decision, which is regarded as the supreme decision. Will the delegates comment on that?

Dr. John Monaghan made a reference to surgical means and lethal injection. What is the extent to which lethal injection and surgical means have been recognised as suitable for intervention or termination of a pregnancy in this country? The question was already raised in regard to the gestation period at which one or other can be used. I would like confirmation of that because I am not aware of the situation in this regard.

Will the witnesses indicate whether, in the event that a close relative of anybody in this Chamber were to present in an emergency situation at a maternity hospital, it is recognised that whatever treatment is required for that woman and that baby will be given to them regardless of ethical or conscientious objections?