Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It was my intention this morning to raise the continuing scandal of bankers' bonuses, pensions and salaries and the Government's refusal to deal with this insult to citizens, who are carrying the burden of its austerity policies. Then, I heard of the death of the pregnant woman, Savita Halappanavar, who died on 28 October in University Hospital Galway. I understand that Savita's death is being investigated and we are rightly restrained in what we can say on this tragic issue. However, it is reported that she died of blood poisoning after being refused a termination while miscarrying, according to her husband. There is an imperative on the Dáil to express condolences and solidarity to Savita's family, but also to deal with the issues which led to her death. Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a dhéanamh le fear chéile agus clann Savita thar ceann Sinn Féin.

There is also an onus on the Government to bring forward the report of its expert group on promised legislation without delay to deal with issues involving such cases. I realise there are strongly held opposing views, including within Sinn Féin and throughout society, on the issue of medical termination. However, the people spoke in a referendum and firmly placed the responsibility upon the Oireachtas to deal with the issue by means of legislation. The Supreme Court ruled in 1992 that a termination is lawful if it can be shown that there is "a real and substantial risk to the life, as distinct from the health, of the mother". When will the Government publish the report of its expert group? When will the Government bring forward legislation, as promised?

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