Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I respect the decision made in the referendum. Two thirds of the population voted "Yes" and one third voted "No", therefore, we have to speak on behalf of more than 725,000. We have to go back to our constituencies, as do the Deputies opposite.

The Minister said a few minutes ago that he would like to start spending money. He can start by buying ultrasound machines.

He spoke about the amendment. The amendment requires a doctor, nurse or midwife to perform an ultrasound and to detect a foetal heartbeat when present. It also ensures that a woman who wishes to view the ultrasound and hear the heartbeat can do so. The amendment also includes a requirement to certify that those steps have been taken as well as specifying that certain minimum standards for the monitoring are carried out. That is to ensure clinical best practice as part of a routine monitoring procedure that ought to be carried out as a matter of course. The amendment makes it clear that it is up to the woman concerned whether she wishes to view the ultrasound image and hear the heartbeat. It is up to the woman to decide what she wants to do.

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