Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister spoke about healthcare. I support free healthcare 100% - there is no doubt about it. Obviously, my definition of "healthcare" is where we save lives, not end them, and this Bill is about ending lives, as such. Of the population, 34% voted against the referendum and approximately 20% of people who voted "Yes" do not agree with this Bill. Those people are entitled to representation. Words such as "cruel" and "barbaric" have been used regarding some of our amendments. Those types of word seek to close down rather than foster debate. We have done well so far today in terms of having a good debate without any rancour or difficulty, and we should try to continue in that way.

The Minister mentioned that this should be a woman's choice and we should not discriminate between choices, but the Bill discriminates against women's choices all over the place. It limits choice. There are many instances in which the Minister believes a 14-year penalty should be applied as regards the choice of a woman. He cannot pretend where choice is concerned. The Bill does not allow for late-term abortions, for example. That choice is prevented. Unless the situation is made exactly the same as it is in Britain, there will always be someone who travels. That is the truth of the matter. I imagine that most of the people on the pro-choice side would agree on this point. There will be women travelling after this Bill.