Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. On head 4, how do the witnesses see the role of the panel in terms of a woman's crisis pregnancy? She may or may not visit her GP or may present at an accident and emergency unit. Her first port of contact, probably, will be through a psychiatrist if she is to go forward for assessment under the panel process. There would be a psychiatrist who would assess the woman in distress. If she felt that the only option available to her was a termination there would be a second assessment by another psychiatrist and an obstetrician. What I am trying to understand is whether the witnesses believe it should be just an assessment process or an assessment with care? In other words, when a woman presents to a psychiatrist I presume it is not a just a box-ticking exercise. I assume they would look at all avenues to see what supports this particular woman in crisis pregnancy needs, as opposed to just assessment, and moving her on to somewhere else. Many people are very concerned about this particular area. I would like clarity on where the witnesses see a role not necessarily on the adjudication but on the counselling, assistance and support.

There is another area I wish to question. Dr. John Sheehan points out that every year an unknown number of women go abroad in crisis pregnancy for a termination. We do not know the exact number who are in deep crisis mentally and psychologically. He said there could be an increase in the profile of people who will present under this legislation. One could argue it is a good thing that women would now try to seek support, assistance and counselling when in crisis pregnancy as opposed to just making the fateful decision of getting on an aeroplane and going to Britain without any supports or services around them. Perhaps he would elaborate on that particular issue?

The other issue is that if legislation is passed, it will need resourcing, particularly if there is an increase in presentations by women who may be suicidal or with suicidal intent or suicidal ideation. One may argue that is a good thing because they would be making contact with the health services but do we have the resources in terms of psychiatrist assessment, supports and counselling if there is an increase in the number of women seeking assistance or a determination on their mental status?