Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would be the first to recognise the rights of people with a conscientious objection. We have always recognised that, through the debate that took place a year ago in the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution and the debate that took place in the health committee a week or ten days ago, and I think we have all listened carefully and sympathetically.

Unfortunately, I received an email the other day to the effect that I was being accused of turning a deaf ear to expressions of concern from pharmacists and doctors. That is not the case. I would be the first to recognise their rights.

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