Dr. Janice Walshe:

I might add that, like Dr. Holian, I have been in position for ten years and wrote the cancer submission that contributed to the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013. I have a very complex patient group, given I am an oncologist who deals mainly with breast cancer, so I encounter many young women who have developed cancer. We have a significant body of those patients in St. Vincent's hospital for a range of reasons, including the fact we have significant expertise. We have always enjoyed a tight relationship with Holles Street in managing the many concerns they have.

What I can say categorically is that I have never had representation from the religious order, whether directly or indirectly, in terms of trying to influence any of my decisions in that regard.