Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the contributors this morning. The submission on the role of psychiatrists in making the decision is in line with the Medical Council’s proposed amendment under head 4, which was presented to us on Friday, namely, that the psychiatrists would sign off on the psychiatric issue and then there would be consultation with the obstetricians. Do psychiatrists feel that GPs should have a more involved role in the decision-making process or are they happy with the Medical Council's proposal to deal with the issue?

The second issue relates to pregnant adults under psychiatric care at present. How is the issue of consent currently dealt with if, for argument’s sake a decision is taken that a person needs a caesarean section? Does current legislation allow medical practitioners to take a decision without referral to a judicial process?

The third issue is one about which I have serious concern. It relates to expectant mothers aged under 18 or under 16. What clarification needs to be provided in the heads of the Bill to deal with the issue? What protection must be provided for the expectant mother, the parents and the doctors dealing with such cases? What clarification would the witnesses suggest is required under the section?