Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I join in the welcome to each of the panellists this morning. There is a number of shared common points in each of the presentations but I have picked on one to tease out - because that is our job, to get a clearer understanding - and that is the role of the general practitioner. It is very unusual and interesting that across the four psychiatrists before us this morning they have each, both orally and in their written submissions, placed great emphasis on the importance of an enhanced role for the GP. I hope they forgive me for focusing on that.

Dr. Ferguson, in her presentation, says the GP should have a central role and takes the view that only one psychiatrist is required, ensuring that there would not be a differentiation between psychiatry and the other medical specialties. On Friday we teased this out with others from across the field of obstetrics. A view was expressed there that two of the heads could be amalgamated so there would be no difference between the medical and the psychiatric approach. Would that be a shared view? Could each witness indicate that please?

Professor O'Keane makes the point that the GP should make the recommendation for an abortion and one psychiatrist assess the suicide rick. Is that the order in which it might happen? Could she elaborate on that so that I could have a better understanding of it? She also speaks about "no specific referral pathway reflected in the legislation". It has not been set down. She also makes the point that attendance at the applicant's primary care practice should be included in the legislation as the first point of contact on that pathway. Could she elaborate a little on that?

Dr. O'Grady also speaks of this area but says obstetricians should not certify eligibility in cases of suicide risk. It would be accepted even by obstetricians that two psychiatrists are crucial. I do not think any of the obstetricians would have argued that they would have primacy in that respect. However she then says this should be done either by a GP or a psychiatrist. I ask her to elaborate on that.

In conclusion and before the Chairman closes me off, I must ask Dr. O'Grady a question because the footnote on the first page of his presentation states that he has experience in certifying eligibility for an abortion. He is the first to say that before the committee either on Friday or today and I am sure he is not unique in that respect of those who will appear before us. It is a very important, relevant point. We are told this presents in only the most rare of cases. The perinatal psychiatrists this morning reconfirmed that over their combined 40 years' experience none of them has ever taken such a decision. Could Dr. O'Grady please expand on that to give us some sense of understanding of it? Would any of his colleagues like to share whether that has also been their experience?