Professor Veronica O'Keane:

On the Deputy's remarks about exceptions-based legislation, there is something that is probably relevant. If the committee decides to go down a route of recommending an exceptions-based legislation, that will continue and propagate the same problems with which we have been continually dealing. With constitutional restrictions determining the law that will determine clinical practice, there is a lack of flexibility. Medical and psychiatric work is absolutely unpredictable. There could be a woman who says that she wants to have an abortion, that she wants to end the pregnancy, and then she meets a doctor who tells her that she cannot do that in this country, that they are sorry and that they will deal with it as compassionately as they can. That woman could become suicidal. Risk fluctuates very quickly. To enact legislation within a constitutional vice grip of a ban on abortion is extremely difficult.

I want to read something to the committee relating to that because it is very important, if that is okay.