Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

Another long-standing report we have been waiting for in this House is the review of the termination of pregnancy legislation.

This welcome review has finally come through and it contains startling findings. However, I understand that the Business Committee has refused space for statements on this. The review will go before the Joint Committee on Health in three or four sessions, allegedly to finish before the summer and with a report to come back. It is really not the job of the Joint Committee on Health to talk about legislation that is required, however. It is the job of this House and, ultimately, the job of the Government to legislate. Time should be given in this House to debate that most important and long-awaited review. I request that the Business Committee seriously consider this and not dismiss it because women have waited long enough for full access to abortion rights in this country.

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