James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I point out to Deputy Healy who referred to a real and substantial risk to the life of the mother that such risk need not be immediate or inevitable. It is an important consideration when referring to the case in Galway. On Deputy Ó Caoláin's point, we are bound by the decision of the Supreme Court in the X case, the Constitution and the decision of the European Court of Human Rights. It is within those parameters that we are acting. We have always made that very clear. Deputy Naughten asked about a further amendment to the Constitution. The Taoiseach has made his position on that very clear. It is a matter for Government also. A practical solution on the return of remains is something worthy of exploration within the confines of the current law. No one here approves of a situation where someone has to go to extraordinary lengths to bring home the remains of a loved one.

It is very clear that there were a multitude of factors involved in the tragedy in Galway. It is not fair to say that the law would not have helped. It would have provided clarity to doctors, in particular in relation to a risk which might not be immediate or inevitable. There were a myriad of circumstances that led to the terrible tragedy. I express again my sympathy to the family of Savita Halappanavar and her husband, Praveen.

I have nothing further to say on the section. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. I acknowledge that it is of very serious concern to many people in the country. I must act within the advice given to me and within the parameters in which I find myself. The Government has been very clear about the direction of travel in this context.