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

I will make two quick points in response. My colleague, the Minister of State, will also comment.

First, conscientious objection does not apply in an emergency because one has an obligation to save the life of the person in front of one. Thus, the emergency department issue would not arise per se. The other situation mentioned by the Deputy is theoretically possible, but we have to deal with what is real and in front of us. Staff availability is essentially an operational matter rather than a matter for the Bill, so it will be up to each institution to ensure that it has sufficient staff to provide a safe service to all of the people who attend. I have no more to say on the matter.