Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Sorry, I was not sure if the Chairman wanted me to respond as people asked questions. I am more than happy to arrange for a briefing for all members of the committee between Committee Stage and Report Stage. I have many conversations with people in terms of advice but I am happy for the members to also have conversations with them.

I am certainly not hiding the reality of this Bill. This Bill will open up access to a range of abortion services in this country that our women need, deserve and have been denied for far too long under the eighth amendment. That is what this Bill will do. It means that the women who travel today, in many cases, will be able to access abortions in their own communities, from their own health service and as part of the universal health service, that is to say they will not have to pay for it. There is no hidden agenda there. However, when I have had conversations with some women, particularly on fatal foetal abnormalities, the sensitivity of language is important. Some of these pregnancies were terminated. Different people who have been through different experiences have a different perspective on the wording we use but there is no disputing at all what this Bill is endeavouring to do. However, the word "abortion" is not in the Constitution. We passed the wording termination of pregnancy and all I am trying to do is ensure that the law that we pass aligns with that wording because, God knows, there have been far too many grey areas in this whole area of law for far too long, which has resulted in an awful lot of pain, misery and court challenges.