James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I can appreciate the concern of the Deputies, the amendments are unnecessary. Section 22 of the Bill makes it clear that it is an offence to intentionally destroy unborn human life. As I said previously, the provisions made in the Bill intend to ensure that in circumstances where the unborn may potentially be viable outside the womb, doctors must make all efforts to sustain its life after delivery. Not to do so would mean that a medical practitioner would be in breach of the proposed legislation and subject to its penalties. I cannot, therefore, accept the amendments.

See this speech in context