Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses and thank them for attending at this time in the evening. My first question is directed to Mr. Saunders. Mr. Saunders mentioned in his opening statement that the procedures referred to in the heads of the Bill do not fall within the definition of the mental health services or come within the remit of the Mental Health Commission. All references in the heads of the Bill to the Mental Health Commission relate solely to the registration of a centre. Perhaps Mr. Saunders would clarify the situation in that regard.

Mr. Saunders also stated that the heads of Bill are silent on the requirement to hear, consider and document the views of a woman who has not reached the age of consent. I recently had the privilege of meeting Miss C. We all know what happened in that case, which was not very pleasant. Perhaps Mr. Saunders would, if he can, comment on that matter.

It is necessary in the context of our discussion to look to other jurisdictions. Following the Roe v. Wade case in California in 1973 the Supreme Court decided that abortion could be allowed for a variety of reasons, including the mental health of pregnant women.

They accepted that the mental hospitals would be full if all the people permitted abortions on mental health or suicide grounds had been admitted. They had to change the law and it was beyond all proportion. Perhaps the witnesses can comment on that.