Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for re-wording his response. The Official Report will show that when he read it out first he did not say "and" he said "or". As he will note, line 18 of the Bill does not use the word "and". All I am looking for is that the word "and" be put in so that it is stated in the legislation that the woman has a right to bring an advocate with her. It is a very basic amendment. I do not want to have to divide the House on this. Everyone in the House agrees with the point. It makes good practice to ensure that the woman has a legal right under the legislation. I accept what the Minister is saying but all I am looking for is the letters a, n, d, and a backslash to be put in there, to state in the legislation what the Minister has told me is the interpretation of it. That is not what the legislation says. I will press the amendment.

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