John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I intend to make the majority of my contribution on the section which is related to conscientious objection, on which I have strong feelings.

Subsection (7) of the amendment states: "A medical practitioner who contravenes subsection (1), (4), (5) or (6)shall be guilty of an offence." In a few days, I will contribute to the debate about the rights of medical practitioners, including doctors, pharmacists and midwives, to conscientiously object and opt out of the legislation. I cannot make an argument, nor can I see how anyone could, that a medical practitioner who contravenes the amendment shall be guilty of an offence. The amendment is poorly thought out and I ask those who moved it to withdraw it because it significantly weakens other arguments which they and I may have. It makes no sense to me.

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