Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is clear that the Bill is locked down and that because it has taken us so long to reach this point, the Government has decided not to accept any amendments whatsoever. That is a pity, particularly as there have been many non-contentious, constructive and positive amendments which could have improved the legislation. Amendments Nos. 124 and 125 in my name relate to the amount of information the Minister can receive in the future.

It creates transparency for the Minister to be able to measure and manage the process better. When a Minister is trying to review and ensure the system is running properly, fairly and honestly, the more information he or she has the better. The amendment seeks to establish the total number of certifications under sections 7, 8 and 9, respectively; the nature of each medical procedure certified under sections 7, 8 and 9, respectively; the period of gestation of the unborn in respect to whom each medical procedure was certified under sections 7, 8 and 9, respectively; and the outcome for the pregnant woman and her unborn in respect of each medical procedure certified and carried out under sections 7, 8 and 9, respectively.

I cannot envisage any circumstances in which a lack of transparency would be of benefit to the Minister, the Government and the State in analysing the outcomes of the legislation. I have tabled the amendments in an effort to be constructive. We are coming to the final element of the Bill and I ask the Minister to consider accepting the amendments.

See this speech in context