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

I want to finish my arguments on why this should not be in the Bill.

I reject the empty assurances of voices on the television screens who state this will never present, that the courts would never decide so. The prescription is in the legislation. I am afraid it could well happen and my fear is that it will. Just as assuredly as, in 1992, the X case presented, there will be situations that the Minister will not be able to anticipate, but he can be sure that, if it can happen, it will. We are leaving ourselves open to a very sorry vista indeed.

Women should not be criminalised in this situation. I commend, however imperfect, the formula I and others presented to arrive at a situation that there would not be such within this legislation. I commend it to the Minister, in the spirit of the appeals across the House. Let me point out again that those who have spoken in support of this position today already reflect right across the spectrum of opinion on this issue and on this Bill.

See this speech in context