Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

We are and we are sharing time with Deputy Seamus Healy.

I did not vote for the eighth amendment in 1983 and, to be perfectly honest, I felt like it cast a shadow. I did not think that shadow would last for 35 years but, thankfully, it has been removed by the citizens of this country. I must say the overwhelming emotion is one of relief.

It was an honest process and it was evidence based. The Citizens' Assembly and the all-party Oireachtas committee not only recommended repeal but outlined to the citizens what they might expect, and that has enhanced politics. It was a resounding result and it behoves every legislator to respect the mandate and legislate according to what the citizens wish.

Saturday's result is a vindication for those of us who have argued for 35 years that it was time for the citizens to have their voice. It strengthened the process and I regret that there were Members in this House who wanted to deny people that opportunity.

It is clear that Ireland has moved on and so must our systems. The common call I heard in the wake of Saturday most of all was the need for school divestment to escalate. We will see much more of that now.

The other aspect that has become very obvious is the number of new people who have been mobilised and became active, particularly many young women. It is all the better for our political system if they remain connected. I particularly acknowledge the role of Together for Yes and acknowledge the point about Ms Ailbhe Smyth that Deputy Clare Daly has made. I get a sense that this and the previous referendum on marriage equality have started to put us into a different place where we can finally start seeing a real republic emerging. There is much work to be done on that, but school divestment and the likes of the National Maternity Hospital issue are two critical issues that we will see more of in the future.

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