Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank both of the witnesses for attending. Does Professor Binchy agree with democracy? In his language, he appears to disregard the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly. We heard at great length the week before last that it was a very scientific process and we can stand over the fact that it was a representative sample of people in Ireland. I take issue with the very deliberate language Professor Binchy used. He used the word "disability" where it was not used. He clarified the position but the use of that word is particularly inflammatory. He used the words "enthusiastic for legalised abortion". Again, I have an issue with that. I do not believe a woman is ever enthusiastic about having a termination. He is quite dismissive of the right to choose and I take issue with that. Professor Binchy said that Ireland does not roll over. The women of Ireland have rolled over for long enough under comments from the witness and various other commentators over the years. It is high time that we stop rolling over and state that we do not accept the language that we have heard today from Professor Binchy.

I catch his drift, and very much so. I am staying real. We had the case of Savita Halappanavar, which is a real case. Some 12 women leave this country every day. The witness has absolutely no basis for the strong evidence that our abortion rate is lower than anywhere else in the UK, because those data are not available. We probably have a higher rate because of our poor sex education and the preventative measures in place to avoid unwanted pregnancy in the first instance. There are no data for the use of early-term abortion pills. While I respect the fact that the committee invited Professor Binchy to appear before it, some of his evidence is just his own view. However, having listened to his evidence, does Professor Binchy think that the provision inserted into Article 40.3.3° in 1992, allowing women the right to travel, should be repealed?