Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I hate to disagree with my colleague from the southern hemisphere but I can assure him that it does apply. Otherwise, there was no necessity to go along with it. I have a total recollection of the discussion that took place. Equally, various people have spoken - I am sure in good faith - about what the public asked them. The public asked me if this would be the case and that reassured some members of the public. Other members of the public were not in favour of it but that was put into the public arena before the referendum, and nobody can deny that. On that basis, I strongly urge that it be retained because one thing is certain: we as legislators cannot afford to break the trust with the public. There is no use going into the public arena and saying we will do something about this - after a long drawn-out debate such as this one - and that we will include a period of reflection in the legislation for the benefit of all women, if we do not do it.

Incidentally, the Dutch representatives at the time said that contact with the patient was beneficial from a counselling point of view. It was felt by them at the time that it was beneficial to the woman and the legislation with regard to making the legislation relevant and meeting the needs of the people. I have no hesitation in saying that was what I understood to be necessary and in line with the general thrust of the discussion. I was only one member of the committee but I know what was said since I was there.

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