Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
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My problem is that one in every five pregnancies in the UK is aborted and there are 200,000 abortions in the UK each year. The last thing I want to see is Ireland following suit.

We have a fantastic health system in Ireland and it is a safe place to have babies. I want to continue that. I want Ireland to be known as a safe place to have a baby. Perhaps the Government could do more. When a woman presents herself to a doctor and does not know whether she wants an abortion or not, the information she gets from the doctor is important. This is my first time meeting Dr. Boylan and I know he is strong in his beliefs. If someone went to Dr. Boylan with his beliefs or to another doctor with other beliefs, then we have a problem. That is my concern.

I am not criticising Dr. Boylan for his beliefs. In fairness, he has given his honest opinion on every question I have asked. I am giving my honest opinion that if a woman presents herself, whether she is suicidal or raped, she is dependent on that doctor to give her the information. My problem is whether the doctor is pro-life or pro-choice. The woman is vulnerable and we trust the woman but the problem is with the doctor. Dr. Peter Boylan is strong in his views. My problem is if the woman went to him or another doctor.