Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the sentiments of the previous speakers in regard to this issue. What we have in effect is a legislative juggernaut driving through this House. There appears to be a serious unwillingness on the part of the Minister to accept any reasonable amendments. There is no doubt that this is one area in which the Minister has the opportunity to accept reasonable amendments to the legislation. While this amendment will not deal with the misgivings and concerns of many in the House, its acceptance would nevertheless go some distance towards alleviating some of the concerns of the public.

The prospect of our providing for late-term abortions by writing them into primary legislation in the House is a hideous thought that bodes ill for the generations to come. I will not repeat the sentiments expressed by Deputy Tóibín and the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, but I urge the Minister to give serious consideration to the possibility of meeting the request of the House to put a time limit on the termination regime envisaged under this legislation.

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