Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the witnesses for giving their time and for the evidence they have presented today. I have a question on the chilling factor.

On the issue of women or girls who may have accessed abortion pills through the Internet, I understand that there have been situations in Northern Ireland where prosecutions have taken place. Is there evidence that such prosecutions have happened here?

In the Citizens' Assembly, of the citizens in that group who voted for termination without restriction, 92% voted to limit gestation to 12 weeks, which is intervention at not later than 12 weeks. Does this meet the witnesses' requirements? I am mindful of the fact that we have discussed tragically unfortunate cases, and one case in particular that has been most under discussion. There are pre-exisiting conditions that have the propensity to accelerate dramatically if they are in combination with other conditions. At this stage, in relation to that case and to others, and in the event of there being evidence to that effect, will each of the witnesses say that they would now be prompted to intervene more quickly? During my time in the House I have dealt with a number of cases in this area where tragic consequences took place. That is the basis for my question.