Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I hope I can make up for the time lost.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important debate. I support the repeal of the eighth amendment and that has always been my clear position. It will happen. Tactically, we in the Independent Alliance had to deal with this important issue and make a decision not to play politics or to grandstand on the issue. This is too important an issue relating to women's health, and those of us in the Independent Alliance also have different views. However, respecting difference and enjoying diversity is a core value of the alliance. Broader society gets that but, sadly, many of the conservative political parties do not seem to understand that. Today is another important step in the broader equality agenda and in women's health. I accept some of the criticisms made in the debate but the process has started.

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