Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Anyone expressing a point of view to a public representative ought to do so respectfully and in a reasonable way. There have been occasions, not just on this issue, where the boundary between what is reasonable protest and reasonable expression of point of view has been crossed. We know that and it should not happen. I urge people engaged in lobbying or protest activity to respect that. The formal Dáil debate on the legislation will begin this week. It is important the debate takes place in an atmosphere that is reasoned, reasonable and rational. None of us should crank up the temperature in the environment in which it is being debated. The issue has been discussed, particularly in this House, its committee and in the wider public, in a reasonable and rational way. I hope that continues. None of us should start throwing fuel on the fire to increase the heat. Let us remember what this is about. This is about protecting the lives of women in childbirth and pregnancy. The opinion poll to which Deputy Halligan refers reflects considerable public support and understanding of the necessity for legislators to legislate to provide certainty and clarity for women and their medical practitioners.

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