Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

It is legitimate to ask how much was spent by the State in defending what is now an absolutely disgraceful and medieval law, which has proven that women are considered to be incubators. High Court cases cost a lot of money; I know that. Having legal representation supplied to the both the unborn and deceased woman was bizarre. The Minister is unable to provide information now. Will there be a time when he can?

People watched in horror as the case arose over Christmas. There was considerable comment in social media. It was asked why this was happening when there was a trolley crisis and bed crisis escalating in hospitals. The case brought home to people that this is an invasion of privacy, based on the eighth amendment, in respect of families' decisions. I acknowledge that the Minister admitted it is the eighth amendment and Article 40.3.3° that compelled doctors to take their course of action.

On the matter of gagging, people on this side of the House have spent their entire lives fighting for social progress but people on the other side of the House have not. Questions and issues such as those in question need to be raised. The Minister should accept that.

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