Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As someone who responds to different pronunciations of the surname Walsh, I believe I am correct to say that I am directing my questions to Dr. Janice Walshe and Dr. Kevin Walsh. I believe we have good maternal health outcomes in this country which compare favourably with any international comparator. Would the delegations agree with that?

My second question deals specifically with the physical medical emergencies and non-emergencies that arise. Given the provisions in the Bill, do the delegations believe that they will broaden the availability of abortion, or will they merely reflect current medical practice? Mr. Saunders made a sensible suggestion under head 5, which my colleague, Deputy Kelleher, referred to. It is a good recommendation to the effect that the reasonable opinion of the medical practitioner should be required in writing and that examination of the woman concerned would be documented, including the reason and the opinion. There are two points. Does Mr. Saunders believe that the word "reasonable" should be attached to the word "opinion"? Some have been canvassing that the word "reasonable" should be removed and this concerns me. Does Mr. Saunders believe that as part of the recording of information - which I believe is essential in future for making decisions - the consultation with the general practitioner should also be fully recorded by the consultant involved in dealing with it?

Reference was made earlier to Miss C. As the delegations may remember, in 1997 she was brought to Britain by State officials to have her baby taken out, as she has described herself. She understood that would not lead to the death of the baby and it was against her parents' wishes. She subsequently has attempted suicide on a number of occasions. What should be included in the legislation in the opinion of the delegations to protect against this happening in future?