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

I thank the Ceann Comhairle. There was a bit of confusion because I did not realise that we were taking amendments Nos. 41 and 44 together. I was neglectful in failing to spot that. I am glad we are discussing the two amendments together and I am glad of the opportunity to speak to them.

With regard to amendment No. 41, in my honest and humble opinion having all types of clarification and certification of records is terribly important. It would be very remiss of us if we were not to make this important amendment to the Bill. As I said earlier, I cannot understand why people would not want to have certification and clear records because it is in the interests of everybody concerned, including the lady and the medical practitioners.

This leads me to amendment No. 44 and the use of ultrasound imaging. The purpose of the amendment is to provide protection for the lady and doctor. It is about facts and information and I believe the best clinical advice would be to have an ultrasound. It is amazing to see the Minister for Health agreeing to fund ultrasound services. This is great coming from a Minister who cannot fund hip operations or cataract removals. He is now able to produce money all of a sudden. That is fine. We debated that issue last night and I will not repeat the arguments. It is definitely best medical practice and it is also in the interests of everyone concerned to make provision for ultrasound imaging. One aspect of our proposal to offer a person the right to see or hear an ultrasound has been misrepresented. Nobody has said this would be compulsory, as some in the media like to portray it. There was no such proposal.

If the Minister is sincere in his wish to implement the will of the people, I see no reason to reject amendment No. 44. On Committee Stage, I stated that the importance of ultrasound in determining the gestational age of the unborn child and protecting the life or health of the woman who is undergoing an abortion cannot be overstated, especially in circumstances where there are concerns about dating of the pregnancy or in cases of an ectopic pregnancy. I cannot understand why people would be against this proposal. That is all I want to say on the matter.

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