Ms Emily Logan:

I thank Deputy O'Connell. On her first question about the term "abortion on demand", we suggest the most appropriate term is a woman "requesting health care". With due respect, we certainly do not ever hear men demanding health care so why that term should be applied to women, I do not know.

In regard to the eighth amendment and saving lives, and whether we think it is a good thing that women cannot travel, no, we do not. We believe the existing system is a two-tier system whereby women who cannot afford to travel are put in a situation where their autonomy is diminished and their ability to make their own decisions about their own health care has been limited by the State, so we do not see that as a good thing.

It is probably better that the health matter be referred elsewhere, as we might be stepping beyond our level of competence. I suggest that it be left to a medical practitioner. The committee may be hearing from some medical practitioners, so if the Deputy does not mind, I do not feel that we have the-----