Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the visitors. I apologise I was unable to be present for the commencement of their addresses but I have read through the scripts.

I was interested in Dr. Walshe's very precise response to Senator Healy Eames who asked whether the proposed legislation would make any difference to her practice of medicine - I have paraphrased the question - and the reply was that it would not and that life, if one excuses the pun, will continue as heretofore.

In the previous session I asked for a response from the four witnesses on whether they agreed with the phrase which is becoming a mantra, that this legislation is about saving women's lives. Each one said they did not. If the legislation will make no difference to practice, and if it is supposed to be simultaneously about saving women's lives, are we in a position where women's lives are not being saved? I am as confused as everybody else. We are putting a new meaning on words. If this legislation will make no difference is the country a hugely dangerous place for Irish women at present from a medical perspective?