Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No, but that is the advice that has been given to the committee this morning by medics. It is not at all that I as a Minister am against more inclusive language. We can have as many votes as we want on these amendments. The reality is no-one in this room will provide medical care for these women, with the exception, perhaps, of the Chairman. The people who will provide medical care for women will be the professionals in the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists who sent this letter. We have to take it seriously, alongside the legal advice we have had. We have to make sure that our language mirrors what the Constitution says so that there is no legal challenge but we also have to make sure that the legislation is operable.

There are other suggestions in this letter that the committee members have all seen that I am going to have to reflect on between now and Report Stage to improve the legislation as well. It is not just about these amendments. This group of medics has views on many areas. There is an onus on us when they make us aware of these views to respond accordingly.