Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As usual, my contribution will be very brief. I echo what the Leas-Cheann Comhairle said, namely, that respect be shown from every side of the House because the people outside would expect that. At no stage, have I spoken twice nor have I used my seven minutes. I would say I have used two to three minutes maximum. That is sufficient for me. Perhaps it is not sufficient for some people but it is certainly sufficient for me. I know the Minister clarified matters for Deputy Butler last night on this issue. I was satisfied with that at the time. Deputy Tóibín seems to have questioned that now. The reason this is a concern to me is because quite a number of parents have expressed concern about this aspect of the legislation. Such concern is very much from a humane point of view. If their daughter was in that type of trouble, they would want to be there to support her and, on that basis, they feel we should allow for that in this legislation. Is parental consent as per the Medical Council guidelines strong enough? Perhaps it is not. If the suggestion from Deputy Ó Cuív that the amendment be withdrawn was accepted, when this Bill goes to the Seanad, the Minister could allow for something to be put in there that would satisfy the people who have concerns about this.

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