Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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I would first like to note that the Citizens' Assembly spontaneously raised this matter. It did not arise from the guidance of the chairperson, Ms Justice Laffoy. It came from the body of the floor at the Citizens' Assembly where 72% were in favour of it. This recognises and reiterates the consistent evidence we heard over the past three months from various witnesses, the latest being those from the Netherlands. When I asked what weight they would give to what we call socio-economic grounds - I think they called them social reasons - they kind of looked at me as if I was nuts because, to them, of course it was a big reason. It was obviously a clear reason to them. I am not interpreting anything from their looks but the attitude was almost why would one not consider a person's social and economic background. Senator Ruane touches on something really important here. If we recognise that abortion is a reality for women already in Ireland, except we export it, we also have to recognise that so many more women did not have access to it because of their class situation. This is a class issue. Some 92% of terminations happen in the first 12 weeks. The pill can deal with it, which is a great step forward. In future laws, perhaps we can recognise it. However, it would be great if the committee would take on board the evidence and the recommendation from the Citizens' Assembly and have that as a reason to be put to the Oireachtas.