Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Some exchanges or contributions back Deputy Healy-Rae referred to terminations on grounds of disability. There is no proposal before us, in these or any other amendments, that would allow for a termination on such grounds. The issue is viability - the prospect of viable life beyond the womb.

The issue of fatal foetal abnormalities cries out for address as, I believe, all of us have recognised. We in Sinn Féin have been guided in our approach to this Bill by our democratically arrived at policy decisions relevant to these matters. The last reworking was in 2008, with a reaffirmation in each of the years since, but we have not catered for fatal foetal abnormalities. Addressing such issues was not on our radar at that time or since so we, too, have a job of work to face up to.

It is very important we understand that what is being spoken of is a foetus which has no prospect of life beyond the womb. For women who learn that the unborn they are carrying has no prospect of life after reaching full term the news is absolutely devastating, as it is for her husband or partner. The stories that have been shared, not only in terms of the presentation in the audio-visual room of this House but in private engagement with many of us in recent weeks, are harrowing. Without question, our hearts go out to women in these circumstances. We have a responsibility to address these matters. The issue of inevitable miscarriage is another issue that was highlighted.

In this grouping of amendments we can make a distinction in respect of amendments Nos. 10, 11, 81 and 83, in that we do not have a fully fledged policy position that caters for these particular matters. If one or more of these amendments are pressed, because of our party position and in the absence of a clear, defined policy statement, we will have to abstain. However, I am indicating that we understand and accept these are matters that require address. I join other colleagues who have made a strong case to the Minister and his colleagues, the Ministers of State, to indicate positively the means that can be employed to address these matters within a reasonable timeframe.

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