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

Sinn Féin supports the address of the issue of a woman's right to secure the termination of a pregnancy in the context of rape or incest. It is our party policy.

The heinous act of rape, with all the physical hurt and mental anguish that accompanies it, is confounded by the failure of our provisions to acknowledge this right to take a particular course of action where a woman is a victim in the circumstances so described. I understand fully that is not addressable in the context of the scope of this legislation. I note Deputy Higgins stated he was putting down a marker and am willing to accept that as the purpose and intent because I do not see how this legislation could accommodate what those amendments seek to address. That said, it is an issue we cannot ignore. We have a collective responsibility as the Oireachtas to respond compassionately in the interest of those women who will suffer in this way. I hope the Government will note the views of those who have spoken on this section.

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