Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The issue of the report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution needs to be approached with great care and sensitivity. I thank Senator Noone and the members of the committee for their efforts. I appreciate their task was an extremely difficult and arduous one.

From the beginning it was clear that whatever the recommendations the committee proposed they would cause division on a topic that has been debated numerous times in the Houses of Oireachtas and throughout the land over the past 35 years. I remember that these debates often turned nasty and caused people to behave in an undignified manner and to say things which were better left unsaid.

During the course of this debate, I ask that people engage in an honest, open and respectful way, without casting judgment on others. As other Members have already stated, it is important we all recognise that fundamentally this is a deeply personal issue, and it is a matter for each citizen to decide what he or she believes is right and correct. It is important that all of us are non-judgmental in this regard and that we respect the views and opinions of others. I sincerely hope the debate over the next months will be conducted along these lines. On this occasion, I hope we can approach the issue on a somewhat higher level and with an element of maturity that was not there on previous occasions.

Pregnancy and birth and the issues surrounding it are extremely complex. When legislators in the past tried to enact legislation to deal with them it proved extremely difficult and divisive. If it were simple and straightforward, we would not be in the situation we are now in.

Recognising the complexities of the issues involved and the choices that will inevitably face us at the ballot box, it behoves all of us to take time to reflect deeply and to think matters through before we speak, especially before we lecture others on what they should or should not do. Anyone who says this is a simple, straightforward matter is foolish in the extreme and the public should ignore such propagandists, whether they are elected public representatives or representatives of some bipartisan organisation.

Like other Members I too have spent some time considering the recommendations of the committee. I did not find this an easy task. I have listened to the many arguments and discussions over the past weeks. With regard to the actual recommendations before us I am firmly of the view that they go too far. I do not support unrestricted access to abortion up to 12 weeks and I will uphold this view in the upcoming debate.

For me, it is a step too far and I cannot support it. Like all Members, I will have further opportunity to give detailed response and comment when the Government makes decisions and brings proposals before the Oireachtas for consideration and decision.

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