Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I move amendment No. 23:

In page 9, line 12, after “consult” to insert “, with appropriate urgency,”.

I take the view that in regard to the risk of loss of life from physical illness, there is a requirement here. Even though the Bill suggests that where practicable there would be consultation with a woman's general practitioner, accepting absolutely that this be done only in the context of the woman's agreement, subsection (3) of section 7 does not reflect what I believe all reasonable opinion would expect in terms of urgency and immediacy, namely, a requirement. The language is pedestrian and does not demonstrate the need to act with all haste. After the insertion of "with appropriate urgency", the opening two lines would read: "If practicable at least one of the medical practitioners referred to in subsection (1)(b) shall, with the pregnant woman's agreement, consult with appropriate urgency with the woman's general practitioner, if any", and continuing. That instils a requirement on the relevant medical practitioner or practitioners which is reflective of how we would expect them to act. The related amendment No. 44, also in my name, it is an exact reflection of the case I put for amendment No. 23.

I refer to amendment No. 80.