Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is genuine concern and unease among Members of this House and members of the public about the issue of late-term abortion or termination. There is concern that this could lead to death of the unborn or disability. The concern is that there is no term limit. I ask the Minister if the regulations have been received and when they will be published. Will they contain detail and content regarding late-term abortion and deal with the genuine concerns about this issue?

I support this group of amendments and, in particular, amendment No. 22, in the name of the Minister of State, Deputy Lucinda Creighton. This amendment proposes to strengthen the legislation by making it an offence for an abortion to be carried out under sections 7, 8 and 9 where the unborn child is viable. It reinforces the Government's intentions in this area so I do not see why there should be any difficulty or reluctance on the part of the Minister in accepting this amendment.

See this speech in context