Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will be very brief. My preference is for the motion that we had tabled but which we did not discuss. It calls for a straightforward repeal of Article 40.3.3°. Accusations of bias have been levelled at the level of this committee.

That is what people say when democracy is exercised but they do not get the result they want. Those interested in getting the most out of the committee should make themselves available and vocalise their opinions for the benefit not just of the cameras and the media but to help other members to learn, to share opinions and come to a collective decision. The opportunity for people to thrash out any issues they had was in private session this afternoon and most did so. Those that did do so not chose to air their opinions and I think the word used was "shenanigans". I would definitely use that word to describe what went on.

The committee has a job to do. It made some progress today and made a bold statement that the status quo cannot continue. During every moment I sit on the committee I become more proud of my parents for campaigning against the insertion of the eighth amendment into the Constitution. I am resolved to thank them for the work they did, albeit it was unsuccessful but they knew that at the time. We need to take our steer not from cartoons but from people such as Dr. Peter Boylan who are eminent in their profession and have given their entire careers and most of their adult lives to caring for women. When Dr. Peter Boylan, as a professional, says the eighth amendment needs to be repealed, we need to listen and start working with those responsible for delivering care to women and trying to make it a bit easier for them. It is regrettable that those who say they favour repeal were not in a position to support repeal. However, it is also important that we get an opportunity to ask all the questions that need to be asked. We will do as much of that as possible in public session and that is important because people are watching what the committee does. We made a good statement this evening and decided the status quo cannot pertain. The only way now is forward.