Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I cannot support the Bill. However, I do not condemn the people who have put it before us; I just do not agree with their point of view. I have my own point of view and believe, as Deputy Michael Harty has said, that the mother's life is paramount and needs to be defended. However, I believe there are laws in the country good enough to protect the mother.

I would be worthless in this world if I could not defend the right of a little baby to live. My first granddaughter will be two years old in a few months time. From watching her since she was very small until now, I would have no use in this world if I could not do everything to give every other little baby that is conceived and coming into the world a fair chance at life. Life is precious from when the baby forms in the womb. That is my belief, and I will stand by my beliefs for as long as I live. It is very important that small babies be allowed to come into the world and that we do our best to protect them. I will vote against the Bill as I will against any referendum to repeal the eighth amendment. Those are my views and, while I have said already that I respect the people bringing this Bill before us, I ask them to respect my views and the people I represent who have that same view.

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