Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Thompson for attending the meeting today. It is an interesting discussion. What happens if a woman or girl presents and has not made up her mind fully or has not been counselled previously as to whether she will or will not continue with the pregnancy? Is there a facility to counsel or assist in any way?

My other question relates to when there is a serious abnormality. Mr. Thompson mentioned something interesting, which we knew, regarding younger women and particular abnormalities, with the second baby having a difficulty as well. To what extent, if at all, can one assess the strength of character of the woman presenting in those circumstances? She is suddenly confronted with a serious issue. She is looking forward to giving birth and is full of expectation, but suddenly her hopes are dashed. What does Mr. Thompson do to assist her? Does she continue with her intention to have a termination or does she draw back from that? To what extent can Mr. Thompson tell whether she will be able to deal with the issue in her life ahead in the case of either the intervention or a normal birth?