Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I support this amendment. It is a very reasonable one that underlines the need for the State to make a commitment to the care and protection of women. The Minister has pointed out that maternity services in the State have a good record but there have been significant concerns expressed by individuals in the aftermath of cases such as that of Ms Savita Halappanavar. Owing to traditional views on what medical services should be available to women, and because of persistence and the exclusion of certain services for women, it is important that we underline the duty of care and the requirement for women to be given all the support, information and treatment necessary to ensure their well-being.

I endorse Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin's amendment No. 76, because I believe in the importance of aftercare and counselling services. While we cannot table an amendment in this regard that will not be not ruled out of order-----