Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair for the very good job he did over the past few days. I also say well done to his staff at the top table. The Chairman kept everyone under control and a very good exercise was conducted. I actually learned a lot over the past three days.

In his statement to the joint committee, the Minister of State stated, for the benefit of the public, "Of course as the committee is fully aware the next phase is the drafting and publication of the Bill". Can he provide a timescale of when that publication will take place? From the first page of his statement, I understand he intends to take into account the submissions that have been made during the past three days. Again, he should elaborate a little in order that people, including me, are assured these submissions will be taken into account.

Three areas really stood out for me. The first was the area in respect of children highlighted by Senator Jillian van Turnhout. Many questions have been asked about young girls in care in particular and on how precisely that cohort of people will be dealt with. I am sorry to bring it up but I have concerns in respect of head 19 and the reference to 14-year sentences. One thing I learned in the course of these meetings is that women are importing abortifacient drugs to have abortions. Were a girl or young minor to import some kind of drug, would such a person face criminal charges associated with that provision? I do not believe the issue of people importing such abortifacient drugs was really discussed.

The final issue pertains to the issue of conscientious objection, which was brought up today. I seek assurance that there will be a balance between what will be the law of the land and the conscientious objections of the medics. While I understand it fully, I also wish to ensure that a woman who enters the hospital will be assured of the best treatment. Dr. Simon Mills today brought up the provision that no institution, organisation or third party shall refuse to provide a lawful termination of pregnancy to a woman on grounds of conscientious objection. However, if, in respect of a board of management or whoever runs a hospital, this is not the case, how shall one ensure that this woman will get the treatment she expects?