Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have no questions, but would like to thank Amnesty International for its presentation. Reading a document like this takes time and needs thought and reflection. Others have spoken about the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act, and it was mentioned in the report.

As a Member of the Dáil for a number of years, I found it an intriguing - I use that word with the greatest respect - time in my political career to be part of such a process and to listen, learn and debate the issue.

I find myself in the same position here again. Ireland is changing. We have all recognised that in recent weeks. For what seems like a very long time under successive Governments, this topic was not spoken about openly. It may have been discussed but certainly not in the context in which we are doing so now. Starting the conversation is very important in light of what has happened in recent weeks.

I am a mother and a grandmother, and I regard my children as the greatest gift ever given to me. I went through a time in my life when I had a number of miscarriages and felt the devastation that caused. I agree with Deputy Regina O'Doherty that it is frightening to think of what is happening outside this House, but without all the information, the figures and the stories, which have been well reported, it is difficult for somebody like me to ask any questions of the witnesses. Along with most people in the room, I would like to be able to debate this issue and listen to those stories. This is not about decisions. It is about believing that what we do here as legislators gives everybody equal opportunities and so on. We have restarted this conversation and we should not let it flitter away.

Like many other members, I have met people in my constituency office who had experienced the trauma of foetal abnormality, and on many occasions following those meetings I went home deeply shocked and upset by their stories. Some of them were very close to home. As legislators we have to have all the facts and information but, above all, we must be compassionate in our decisions, because that is what this is about. It is about compassion, putting ourselves into other people's shoes and listening to what they have to say.

I have nothing further to add. I do not have questions but I agree with the previous speakers that this is about human beings. In fairness to Senator Crown, whom I do not always agree with, he speaks with great knowledge about the medical aspects. When he talks about cells and so on it is difficult for me to take it in because I am not an expert on that, but what he said at the end of his contribution about his medical work is profoundly important when decisions are being made on legislation like this.