David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

My point is that this was not an overreaction by politicians or a panicked response. This view feeds into the notion that the women were hysterical and it amounts to blaming them. We should not blame the women who contacted the hotline to be reassured, following which a political decision was made. There are very few occasions on which I would support the Minister for Health but I support him on this one. There were consequences in the shape of pressures on the system but women wanted to be reassured and comforted. I am asking Dr. Henry to say if he agrees that this was the reason for the decision.