Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a very important debate. I have listened to the debate on this subject, which has been widely discussed recently. The public is looking for a consensus on the issue. It is fair to say there is a broad consensus among politicians and the general public that there is a need to legislate and regulate for best medical practice. What we must do is ensure that we preserve the reputation of Ireland in terms of medical practice as one of the safest places in the world for a mother to give birth to her child, both for mother and child. In that regard, the investigations under way into the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar need to be carried out in the quickest possible fashion. They need to be made public both in terms of her husband and family receiving the truth. It has been a tragedy. The investigations will also help inform best medical practice in this area.

In respect of suicide, on which there is no consensus, it is imperative for us to hear the best available medical evidence, particularly in psychiatry. There is a need for education and for politicians and the wider public to be properly informed. The public wants that level of knowledge. As legislators and representatives of the people, it is incumbent upon us when deliberations get underway in the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children to consult widely. We are looking at best medical practice and the lives of both the mother and child. We cannot lose sight of the fact that in Ireland, we have a terrific medical system. We have excellent doctors and nurses across the spectrum who deliver babies daily in hospitals and seek the best situation for the mother and child.

Like everyone, I have thought long and hard about this issue. We need consensus and to be properly informed. I was delighted to hear the chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, Deputy Buttimer, say that he is looking to consult widely and bring in a range of medical expertise from across the spectrum. This is vital. People have come a long way and there is broad agreement on the need to legislate for best medical practice. It is there in guidelines but in terms of bringing clarity to the situation, it is extremely important that this takes place. Working in that framework of consensus, it is critical that the committee brings in psychiatrists and other personnel such as the masters of the various maternity hospitals and gets a proper overview of the current situation from a medical perspective. I welcome the debate which was extremely important for the House and I look forward to further deliberations on the issue.

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