James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I will respond to the first three Deputies and we might return to the Deputy O'Donnell at the end.

Deputy Ó Caoláin wants, in essence, to have one psychiatrist and one obstetrician rather than two psychiatrists. Deputy Boyd Barrett raised the same issue and said that the expert group had mentioned two psychiatrists as one of the options. The group also mentioned one psychiatrist. It is clear after consideration of the matter - and the Government has considered it - that, given the subjective nature of the practice of psychiatry, there is a real sense that because of the absence of clinical markers such as biochemical blood tests, MRIs or X-rays, in order to give a more secure diagnosis - given the fact that the diagnosis and the certification could, in certain circumstances, lead to the loss of life of the unborn - a higher standard of certainty was required. In that regard, we believe it is appropriate to have two psychiatrists involved. Therefore, I will not accept the amendment.

With regard to Deputy O'Donnell's suggestion, I have not considered the matter in great detail. The Attorney General gave some advice and I shall return to her for further clarification.