Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On Deputy Naughten's point, I agree with the Minister that it is clear. There is no doubt about its clarity. However, if I am wrong in that and if there is a question mark over it, which I do not believe there is, it certainly cannot be cured by this amendment, with respect to Deputy Naughten, as it would remove the requirement "as far as practicable". The constitutional imperative to protect unborn life is to protect it "as far as practicable" or, in the Irish version, "sa mhéid gur féidir é", and the Irish takes precedence.

I have enormous respect for Deputy Naughten. We could not accede to this amendment, whatever we might do about any uncertainty that there might be.