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

The first thing I have to say with regard to consent is that I hope we live in an Ireland where we have moved on from the sort of under-the-cover darkness and horror that existed when younger people got pregnant in the past. They had to cover it up as if it was a shame to be pregnant. They had to hide it. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle will recall awful cases in which youngsters gave birth on their own in the cold and rain after hiding their pregnancies, which resulted in the death not only of the baby but also of the mother. Young people had to be ashamed of being pregnant, but there is no shame in being pregnant no matter what age the person is. The point I would like to drive home is that when a young person is pregnant - she may be a minor, but the point I am making applies regardless of what age she is - we all want to see her having the support of her parent or guardian. How can a parent or guardian be supportive if he or she is kept unaware of the situation for one reason or another?

I believe there is an age of consent. If a person under that age is pregnant, questions must be asked about the consequences. What was the situation that arose up to that point? Was there mistreatment of that young person? What were the circumstances? I believe it is vital in all of this for the parent or guardian to be in a position to give support, encouragement, help and advice, and to be kind and nice to that young person. That is what parents are for. Obviously, we do not want to see young people being pregnant at too young an age. It is not good when they are only youngsters themselves. If a young person finds herself pregnant, it is not a bad thing for her to find herself in that situation. In such circumstances, I would want her to have the full support of everybody, including her parents or guardians. That is what parents are for. That is what the State is for. We are all supposed to be here to help, encourage, give advice and be kind and nice at a troublesome time in a young person's life. I would like to think that is the reason I have put my name to this amendment. I just think it is right. It is proper to make it a requirement for parents or guardians to be notified so they can assist in every way possible. That is all I want to say on it.

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