Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Like Deputy Coppinger, I considered the situation in other countries. I found only eight countries that require a judicial authorisation for abortion and they are Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Namibia, Rwanda, Bolivia, Panama, Georgia and Macedonia. Several other countries, such as Mauritius, Hong Kong, Uruguay and Colombia, require police certification. Members can extrapolate their own conclusions from the requirements in those countries.

Mr. O'Malley touched on the issue of whether the problem would really be dealt with if there were to be a certification process, regardless of who would conduct it and even if it were only required to report the rape to a GP. Would people just travel to the UK instead? I do not know if it is feasible or practical for people to be forced to make some sort of certification or admission. It could result in a return to the situation whereby only those who can afford to travel do so. Victims of rape who could not afford to do so would have to report the rape, continue with the pregnancy or obtain an illegal termination. I ask the witnesses to comment on that issue.

My final question is for Mr. O'Malley. However, because of her background, Ms Blackwell may also be able to provide an answer. How would legislation requiring a reporting system fit in with the directive on victims' rights? Would Ireland be in contravention of European laws or directives if it forced victims of rape to report the crime in order to access a termination?