Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Free votes are commonplace in the UK Parliament and in other jurisdictions and there is no reason why they should not be a feature of our Parliament also.

I strongly urge the Minister to accept Members' amendments or to bring forward his own to substantially strengthen this Bill. As it stands, it is not acceptable. An annual review of the operation of the legislation is required so that its impact is closely monitored. A sunset clause would address many concerns. I would also strongly urge the Minister to ensure that gestational time limits are provided for under section 9. Consideration must urgently be given to providing for fatal foetal abnormality. Overall, it is impossible to see how this most complex of issues can be dealt with adequately and in a way which reflects public opinion without revisiting the constitutional provision. Anything else is likely to be an Irish solution to an Irish problem, which does not, in fact, provide a solution at all.

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