Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is difficult to follow that contribution, and I have little enough to add. I support the point that has been made very eloquently and passionately by Deputy Clare Daly that there is a clear need for mandatory inquests into maternal deaths. In the past some people have tried to paint Ireland as a country with no problems around maternity and health, but clearly the experiences of many women and their families reflect the many circumstances in which women and their families have been badly let down where lives have been lost. I support this sentiment.

I missed the opportunity at the start of the debate so now I pay tribute to Deputy Clare Daly. She has been persistent on this legislation. Since I have been on the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality the issue has come up every couple of weeks where members have sought an update on the legislation. I am glad the Minister is now progressing it and there is communication back and forth. Deputy Clare Daly deserves a great deal of credit for pursuing this very valuable legislation. I also acknowledge the campaigners for this legislation and the families who are with us today. I pay tribute to the memory of the women who were named in the Chamber today and to their families. It is valuable legislation and I hope it can be enacted as soon as possible.

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