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

In order to correct the record and for the purposes of absolute clarity, conscientious objection in medical practice is well understood and is provided for within the medical guidelines. It is acknowledged in section 7 of this Bill, with deals a physical threat of illness which is not immediate, and in the case of a risk of suicide. It is not provided for in section 8, where the threat is immediate and is an emergency and the doctor must deal with the patient in front of him or her to save that person's life.

With respect to Deputy Ó Caoláin, I never said expediency was mentioned in the text. I said it was in medical practice. Furthermore, with respect, I do not believe the Deputy was listening to me when I made it very clear-----