Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

For many years, women have not only been written out of our history, they have also struggled to have an equal role in our society. The Proclamation of 1916 was the most revolutionary document of its time. It declared equality among all citizens. Unfortunately, consecutive Governments since the foundation of the State have been extremely conservative. They were also heavily influenced by the Catholic Church and other conservative institutions. Women were treated as second-class citizens and the Magdalen homes were a consequence of that mindset, but we have come a long way since the condom trains to the northern part of the country. Even the acquisition of the morning after pill was outlawed throughout the 1970s and 1980s and as a result, thousands of women were forced to travel to England and elsewhere to seek an abortion.

Women are best placed to make the right judgement and decision when it comes to their health and well-being, rightly so. The first step is to repeal the eighth amendment. What will follow after that will be decided by the people. Sinn Féin, through its membership at Ard Fheiseanna, has voted on the need for abortion where a woman's life, health or mental health is at serious risk, in cases of fatal foetal abnormality and in cases of rape or sexual abuse. It is clear that society has moved on, as the referendum on same-sex marriage clearly showed. There is an appetite for reform and society demands that the State be in tune with the rights of all of its citizens. We export citizens to access services which many believe the State should be responsible for delivering.

As it stands, the way the Constitution is framed, it constitutes an unacceptable clinical risk for women across the State. That is totally unacceptable and must be changed. I thank the committee and all those who had an input. It was a difficult endeavour. I hope the Government moves speedily to bring forward the necessary referendum. I have campaigned for many years and been on many marches to repeal the eighth amendment and I will continue to campaign in that area. My opinion is different from the party position. I support a woman's right to choice. I will abide by my party and follow what the people have voted for at our ardfheiseanna. That is where we take our guidance from.

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