Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I repeat my apologies. As a result of a family bereavement, I was unable to be here earlier. Professor Binchy is very welcome. I congratulate him on being a voice of sanity and compassion over the years in an increasingly uncaring world. His activity on behalf of people with disabilities, his great work promoting the rule of law and helping the rule of law in Africa stands in perfect consistency with his vision of a society that includes everybody. He has always spoken in terms that really appeal to people of goodwill of all faiths and none and from a purely human rights perspective.

There are two aspects to the question I want to put to Professor Binchy. First, does he agree that truth and fact are increasingly casualties in this debate? Perhaps even here today it might be no harm to pick up on some points that were made when I was listening in to the debate. I think Deputy O'Connell is mistaken. Professor Binchy might clarify but it is my understanding that the Citizens' Assembly made separate recommendations in respect of abortion on the grounds of disability, so-called fatal foetal abnormality was one recommendation but there was an entirely separate recommendation relating to foetal abnormality or foetal anomaly. From her question, I do not think Deputy O'Connell appears to realise that is the case. Clarity is important. My belief is that the Citizens' Assembly put forward separate recommendations. Is that also Professor Binchy's understanding?