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

People have said that the referendum has passed and that we are simply seeking to introduce the legislation to implement it. However, I note that there are 180 amendments. Of those, 16 are substantially pro-life. Most of the amendments seek a deviation from the Bill itself. During the referendum, much of the debate was consumed by the commitments made by senior members of the Government, as would be expected. We had a commitment from the Tánaiste that counselling and information would be provided. They are important things to say. We cannot discount commitments in that regard.

People have also mentioned their interpretations of this measure. I sometimes think these interpretations can be strategic. We have spent about three hours talking about other people's interpretations. We may take it as read that we do not agree with each other's interpretations and simply discuss the content.

Another Deputy, I think it was Deputy Donnelly, said that these are good things in essence but that someone, somewhere, can do something about them at another stage. If we look at international comparisons, many of these issues are dealt with in the legislation dealing with abortion. It is not unrealistic for us to seek some kind of primary legislation guaranteeing that these elements would be provided for.

The last thing I will say is that information is not offensive. Information is not the enemy. Information is not a hurdle, and we need to trust women with information.