Ms Claire O'Connell:

I am sorry to say that I am not aware of the specific circumstances around that case. Respectfully, I want to take issue with the suggestion that the Senator does not believe everyone has the right to parent a child. Obviously, the Senator has a role here, but the Irish courts disagree with her, as does the European Court of Human Rights, under which we have international obligations to adhere to. Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which respects the right to private and family life for all individuals, also disagrees with the Senator in that regard.

It is important for the Senator to define what she means by commercialisation. I have been listening to the meetings of the committee over recent weeks and I have been so grateful to Senators Seery Kearney and Ruane for their contributions, particularly the commentary around exploitation and what it means in the context of commercialisation or a payment of money or a figure. It is so important not to presume about the payment, remuneration or compensation of a woman for her time, effort and sacrifice, in many ways, over nine months of her life, in terms of her work, family life and everything she gives up - even the morning sickness alone. I cannot understand a process in which we would not recognise that massive sacrifice and contribution to the lives of everyone here. If the Senator could define commercialisation, we would be happy to answer more questions.