Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill. I believe it is hugely important that information made available needs to be accurate in general. There is so much false information in every sphere of life that affects us all. There is so much false information out in the open arena purporting to be well-meaning and soundly-based. Of course, that is not always the case. Where it affects the health of the community, and women in this context, it is particularly important that the information being made available is fair, even, balanced and factual. The presentation of false information in that context can have serious consequences for the people to whom the advice is given. In our business, we would often like to think that politicians should give fair, accurate and balanced information all of the time. We believe that they do to the best of their ability, though we might question that from time to time. This is a different issue altogether. This affects people's health.

In light of our recent history, it is very important that we recognise the urgency of the need to regulate the extent and degree to which the information is being made available, regardless of who is making it available. The theory is that professionalism should at all times prevail and that, as a result, there should not be a necessity to regulate. However, as times goes by, there appears to be a necessity.

The general thrust of the Bill is to ensure, by way of legislation, that fair, accurate and balanced information is made available to women in sensitive situations, with particular reference to crisis pregnancies. I know that the Minister is anxious to accommodate the Bill. It would be helpful if it were included under the general umbrella of legislation affecting regulation. I am not sure whether that can be done effectively or whether Deputy Howlin sees that as effective. Either way, we should support the thrust of the Bill.