Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On whoever suggested it would be the second half of next year, that is just not true. I want to see a calm, rational and sensitive discussion on the matters involved. Clearly, certain issues need to be addressed quickly.

There are also other concerns we need to address and everybody in the House has a part to play in that. I would like to see this issue dealt with as quickly as is practicable, rather than be forced by pressure from either end of the spectrum here to deal with it. It is a matter on which we must provide certainty, reassurance and clarity for clinicians working in hospitals so there is legal certainty. We must also ensure the concerns expressed around the threat to the life of a mother by suicide is addressed in a realistic fashion. I listened carefully to the words spoken by the perinatal professor yesterday, who said these cases are real, but small in number. However, this is not a box ticking exercise. I am sure the majority of Deputies here, who represent our people, do not want a situation where we have abortion on demand or where it becomes a substitute for contraception.

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