Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was happy and privileged to represent the Irish people in Paris this week after an atrocity based on terror and fear. The demonstration of support by the ordinary citizens of France and the leadership of the European Union demonstrated the importance of why we have a European Union.

The case in Mullingar was sensitive. It was a personal case and was not a case of turning a blind eye to the situation. Deputy Coppinger should remember that Bunreacht na hÉireann is the people's book. It is they who put it together, they who vote on it and they who have the sole responsibility of changing it if they so desire. However, in this particular case the courts determined that the eighth amendment did not prevent the turning off of the life-sustaining equipment. It was not the case that the eighth amendment restricted the decision that had to be made.

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