Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Chair of the committee, I thank the Minister, the Minister of State and, in particular, Ms Geraldine Luddy, who has been present for the past number of days, Ms Alesandra Fantini, Ms Maureen Windel and the chief medical officer, Dr. Tony Holohan, for their co-operation, courteousness and forbearance with the committee.

I wish to thank all the departmental officials for their courtesy to us. I also thank all the members of the Committee on Health and Children, and in particular the select sub-committee, for their measured, deliberate and respectful contributions, not just today but also over the past six months of hearings. They have shone a positive light on the workings of the Oireachtas and I compliment them for that. I also wish to thank Members of the Oireachtas who have joined us here for the last two days.

I pay tribute to the staff of the committee secretariat who work long hours. The public service is criticised at times, but those who work long hours do not get proper recognition. They are a credit to the public service. I must also thank the Attorney General whose role, as the Minister said, is very important.

We have ended our deliberations on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill. I wish to thank all who have engaged with us from the initial hearings to today. It is a sensitive and difficult subject but members of the committee have shown that they can have a respectful and tolerant debate with moderate language that is measured at all times.