Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

The Minister referred to the Irish Medical Council guidelines and indicated that he has not found an area in which the doctor is obliged to report. The problem is that the report may not be made by a medical practitioner. It could be any category of individual. That in itself is no guarantee that a report will not be made. The Minister stated that he wants to send out a message to young women that they will be safe. The safest, and only, way to do that is by withdrawing this section, decriminalising the woman and removing the prospect of a 14-year penalty. I understand the argument that the Minister of State, Deputy White, is making but I do not accept it because it is possible not only to reduce the tariff but also to withdraw the section. That is why I tabled the amendment.