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

I thank the Chairman and the committee for the courtesy shown and the tenor of the debate. I thank the Chairman, in particular, for his stewardship of it throughout the entire course of what have been extremely long discussions. These are probably some of the longest discussions on a particular piece of legislation and with good reason because it affects everybody in the country one way or another. I restate the purpose of the Bill is to protect the life of both the mother and the unborn and provide women with clarity on what they are entitled to and how they can access it, and the doctors and nurses who must provide this service with clarity on what they are legally permitted and obliged to do. I thank everybody for his or her co-operation and contributions which have been extremely informative. As the Bill has progressed from the production of the heads through the various Stages, the amendments made to it have all been informed by the various Members of the Oireachtas, particularly the members of the committee.