Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I propose to share time with Deputy Michael McNamara. I welcome the opportunity to address the House on this important matter. Some people believe the debate should be confined to women. The debate is happening in the House, I was sent here by the women and men of Dublin North and I can do nothing about my gender. In my adult life, I know of no debate that is so divisive, bitter and harsh as the debate on abortion. It has been dominated by loud and vociferous voice from both ends of the spectrum from those in favour of a liberal abortion regime to those who want to see no move towards an abortion regime in Ireland, including legislating for the X case. The Labour Party position on this has been clear for over a decade. Our unambiguous and clear position is that we support legislating for the X case. It will remain our position until we have satisfactory legislation in place. The expert group report states that the X case decision is the law of the State as declared by its highest court. It is binding on all lower courts and generally. The report states, "Although it could have done so and has been criticised in the Supreme Court for failing in that regard, the legislature has not put in place a formal system to provide the exercise of this constitutional right." It is our job to put a formal system in place. Due to the fact the Labour Party is part of the Government, we are closer than ever to achieving it. Recent opinion polls suggest overwhelming support for legislation on the X case. The tragic death of Savita Halappanavar, six weeks ago, has brought the need for clarity in the form of legislation to the front pages again. We await the findings of the report into her death and further comment on individual circumstances is inappropriate at this stage.

The tragic death of Savita has acted as the further catalyst for public opinion. In the past few days, the budget and related matters have dominated the airwaves, newspaper columns and social media sites. The coverage of the abortion debate has moved back somewhat. I welcome the space we are now in to push the process through the House over the coming weeks. We need to learn from the past and conduct the debate in a forthright, honest and, ultimately, respectful manner. It is the bare minimum the women of Ireland deserve. For too long, there has been a lack of respect running through those most vociferous in the debate. Blame can be shared on both sides, pro-life and pro-choice. I have seen it in the past few weeks as citizen turns on citizen. This week has seen the bitter debate in the form of argument on social media about the number of people at opposing demonstrations. This debate should not operate on that level. The vast majority of people in this country are not on the extremes but want a civilised and informed debate. The majority of people in the Labour Party are not on the extreme and reflect a wide variety of views on the issue. The Labour Party reflects the beliefs of most people in Ireland on this matter. What we share is a desire to legislate for the X case as soon as possible. This is what Labour Party wants and we have brought it to Government. Now is the time for it to be delivered.

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