Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State, Deputy White, made a cogent argument - I can see exactly where he is coming from - about the way in which the Constitution is worded at present. I have two questions. First, has the Government any intention of or has it given any consideration to putting before the people such an amendment to clarify the issue regarding fatal foetal abnormality? In the context of the current situation, Deputy Ciara Conway put it well when talking about the practical challenges that exist where women must go to England and must use the services of DHL or a similar company to bring the remains back. Within our culture here in Ireland, we have a great deal of respect for remains. Can a practical solution be put in place, at least, in the short term, to deal with that practical issue? The Minister might explain any plans to clarify the Constitution on that.

On my second question, I am glad Deputy Healy raised this. The impression is given that this legislation will somehow deal with issues in the context of the case of the late Ms Savita Halappanavar, and they will not. Could the Minister clarify the reason he has given, when discussing cases of inevitable miscarriage, that the Government is only dealing with A, B and C v. Ireland and the X case judgment?

Can the Minister clarify in relation to inevitable miscarriage, if there are practical barriers to including that in the legislation?