Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Last evening the Minister indicated he would address the matter dealt with in this amendment. My understanding on Committee Stage was that he had indicated a willingness to present an accommodation for aftercare and optional therapeutic counselling services for women who have had terminations.

Several colleagues have objected to the fact that no amendment of any shape or form has been accepted by the Minister during this long process. On Committee Stage, there was only one positive indication from the Minister which concerned this matter.

Yesterday evening, he quoted from the "Blacks" of Committee Stage stating he had not committed to this amendment but would refer to it. I have yet to check the "Blacks" but I really believe this is all just semantics. At the end of the day, it demonstrates even further the total blinkered approach of the Government to very sane and sensible proposals put forward by Opposition Deputies.

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