Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

First, I extend my sympathy to Praveen Halappanavar, the husband of Savita, to their family and friends and to the wider Indian community on their sad loss.

Last night and this evening, I sometimes wondered if I had actually been elected to speak on behalf of my constituents and my party. Some comrades to my right seem to think they own the franchise on the abortion issue and on any issue associated with it. With other members of Sinn Féin, I have taken stick over the years on this issue and on the issue of divorce. I did not see the Labour Party campaigning on either issue in County Laois, which I represent. The record will show that. The abortion franchise does not belong to Deputy Ciara Conway or to anyone else on the Labour Party benches or the Sinn Féin benches. This is an issue for all of us.

The death of Savita Halappanavar has shocked and saddened us. This preventible tragedy sent shockwaves across the world, with thousands of people attending rallies and vigils here and abroad. The eyes of the world are on this country, and particularly on its legislators. What shocked the world were the circumstances surrounding Savita's death. A healthy woman died, apparently because she could not receive the medical treatment she deserved.

We are having a debate and a vote tonight that should have taken place 20 years ago. A number of governments have been in place since 1992, when the Supreme Court judgment was handed down. Those governments have been made up of various coalition partnerships, but we are not in the business of passing blame. For various reasons, legislation was not put in place. The fact that it was not put in place probably caused Savita Halappanavar, and maybe other women, to lose their lives. This is no longer acceptable.

Sinn Féin called, a number of days ago, for the publication of the report of the expert group and that it be made available to the Opposition. I welcome the announcement that this is to happen. It is a step in the right direction. No amount of debate will bring back Savita Halappanavar to her loving husband and grieving family. What we can do, within the next hour or so, is to start a process to ensure that this never happens again.

Over the past 20 years, we have heard testimonies from women who needed a termination as a life saving measure and could only receive that in England. They were advised to go to England. That is disgraceful and unacceptable in a sovereign State. Our medical services must be able to provide this treatment without confusion or threat of legal action. I am sure the Minister, as a medical person, will agree with that.

We can no longer hide behind reports and inquiries. We must legislate, as a matter of urgency. The women of Ireland, and pregnant women, deserve no less from us and from the Government.

Sinn Féin policy on this issue is crystal clear. There are huge differences of opinion on abortion in every party. There are huge differences in the Labour Party. Labour Party members might not like to admit this but I have heard them articulate some very contrary positions on the issue. There have been rows and arguments within the Labour Party on the issue, as there have been debates and arguments in every party, including our own. The Sinn Féin position on this is clear. We have a clear policy. We believe women have the right to a termination in the case of rape, incest or sexual abuse or when a woman's life or mental health are at grave risk. Sinn Féin has never supported the extension of the 1967 Abortion Act to the North. Even well-informed commentators who are former barristers appear not to know that legislation already exists in the North to allow for a termination where there is a risk to the health or life of a woman. What is required is updated guidance from the DUP Minister. We have been trying to influence him in that direction. If members of any other party can help us with that we would welcome it. We support robust guidance to protect the life of the mother.

Our position, North and South, is consistent. Introducing legislation for the X case based on the 1992 Supreme Court judgment, as our motion proposes, will harmonise the law on this matter North and South and bring it closer. No amount of mischief making or distortion by journalists, commentators or opposition politicians will change that.

Our motion is reasonable and fair. I sincerely believe this needs to happen and my party colleagues share this belief. We are trying to give a voice to the concern that has been awakened since this tragic incident last week. The motion is balanced and, we believe, acceptable to most Deputies. I urge Deputies from all parties to set aside their personal positions, face up to their responsibility and push for legislation on this matter.

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