Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am familiar with the Tánaiste’s public position and that of his party. It is one we wholeheartedly share and support. The problem is that while expert groups meet, reports are drafted and necessary inquiries are held, women and the medical profession remain in a legal limbo. The case of Savita and the tragedy for that woman and her family writes large the failure of successive Governments. The ball is now in the Government’s court. The Tánaiste says he wants to see speedy action. I remind him that his expert group is late in reporting. The report is late coming to Government and now the Tánaiste equivocates. Why is that the case? We have a former and current master of the National Maternity Hospital on the public record stating categorically the dilemma in which medics find themselves. They need legislation.

We know that, and so do the women and families of Ireland. This is not about the broader debate around abortion; this is a specific circumstance in which medical action is required to save the life of a woman. We have no right to equivocate on that matter. The report ought to be published immediately and the Government should make it crystal clear that the legislation required to give certainty and safety will come through speedily.

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