Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, seems to take the view that the meaning of the term "unborn" would specifically change the position, that the amendment tabled by some Deputies in respect of the "unborn" is one which would affect this particular amendment on fatal foetal abnormalities. I have some sympathy for his view of the term "unborn". I do not have that amendment tabled. The case of D v. Ireland was taken under the current constitutional provision of Article 40.3.3^o. The Government and the Attorney General of the day were of the view that it was possible or that, at least, an arguable case could be made that it would be legal in this country to have a termination on the grounds of fatal foetal abnormality and the Government invited the European court to accept that if that case was put to the Irish courts, there was, at least, an arguable case that it would be accepted. If the Minister does not accept this and tells us that he has sympathy for the case we are making, let him commit to holding a referendum to change the position. That is the simple alternative for him.

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