Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy talks about an evolutionary process when Government meets the Church and about a predecessor of mine. The Catholic Church is a separate entity from Government. It has its responsibilities. It has an enormous flock worldwide. I note the changes that Pope Francis is leading, changes in the way he goes about his work, the way he engages with people, the way he comments on issues that are of importance to people, and the change he is creating to bring about a Church that relates to people, to the poor and that leads from that point of view. These are separate entities and Government is not subject to the diktat of any religious group or any other organisation. It has a remit to operate on the basis of doing the thing it considers to be in the best interests of the people and the country. I do not accept we are way behind the thinking of our people. My responsibility as Taoiseach and as Head of Government is to legislate for what the people put into our Constitution, which is now reflected in the law.

When I speak to Deputy Boyd Barrett about the accuracy of medical diagnosis, and I am not competent to give a verdict on any of those cases, we have a difference about one particular issue. This was not legislated for. While these cases are always sensitive and very personal and individual, I have no intention of amending the law to reflect what the Deputy says.

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