Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will make one brief comment, if I may. I am concerned about the construction of the amendment, even in terms of Deputy Naughten's stated intent, which I do not question. If one follows the construction through, in view of the fact that the phrasing of section 7(1) must be capable of being read consistently into each of the subsequent subsection paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d), the amendment is not fit for purpose as presented, with no disrespect to the Deputy. In regard to (b), the short read would be "it shall be lawful to carry out a medical procedure in the course of which an unborn human life is ended where the unborn is potentially viable outside the womb". That is not what the Deputy suggests but it is open to that interpretation. There is a great requirement for exactitude and care in this Bill, which has been employed, but this wording will not work. What the amendment states is not the Deputy's intent but is open to that interpretation and therefore it is one I cannot support.