Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have also asked the Minister what additional counselling services or financial support will be made available. I thought, when he stood to make a speech on the last occasion, that he would tell us the answer to that question, but he said absolutely nothing. Will he, please, confirm what additional supports will be in place?

The Minister has made token nods on the availability of contraceptives as a means of trying to keep the rate of abortion low. In reality, it is a meaningless platitude which ignores the experience of our nearest neighbours in the United Kingdom. Contraceptives have been available almost universally for free on the NHS for decades, as has the contraceptive pill, but in spite of the widespread availability of contraceptives, the rate of abortion in the United Kingdom is through the roof. Some 20% of all recorded pregnancies are aborted. Why does the Minister think the experience will somehow be different in Ireland?

Earlier the Taoiseach said abortion should be rare, that it was not something that would become an easy option. That statement seems to have been abandoned by him and the Government. If they genuinely believe abortion will be rare and a last resort, there is no real measure in the Bill which attempts to advance this public policy aim. Amendment 46 tries to address these issues and I strongly support it. I know, however, that the Minister has made up his mind. It was made up on Committee Stage and it is still made up on Report Stage. He is not going to accept any of the amendments proposed. Will he, please, provide clarity on the supports that he will provide when the Bill becomes law? I am aware that he has serious issues with GPs, midwives and nurses. He has serious problems with everybody. I am asking him to let those who are going to have an abortion know what supports will be in place for them. Will he also, please, stop nodding every time I ask a question? When he nods, I expect to receive an answer, but I am not getting any.

See this speech in context