Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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I am glad we are having this discussion. There was some debate about whether there was a need for pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill because it is so straightforward but it is good for the public to hear and see the matter being discussed and taken seriously at national level. I did not know what had happened to Senator Clonan and his family, and I offer my condolences. It is amazing how one would remember that day as if it were yesterday. I have no personal experience, but my sister had twin girls who passed away having been born too early at 23 weeks. She lives in America. One would have thought that could not happen with all the modern technology there. I remember to this day making the call to my employer before I entered this role. The last thing people are thinking of is work and how to get to work. You have to drop everything and go. It is really important that we have these discussions.

In recent years, there has been more focus on pregnancy loss. For several decades, people did not speak about it and people could be quite insensitive, callous and dismissive about it. This is important. While there have been some progressive changes, including medical leave and extended parental leave, these things do not change themselves. They change because people and organisations, such as Féileacáin and advocacy groups, campaign and fight for these things. It is then taken on by certain TDs. It is important.

I want to ask the Department about the research. Is it under way? When did it start? Has any finish date been proposed? Is that research going to be published? I was not aware of the research and it would be interesting on many levels.