David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to split hairs on this issue. I do not contend at all that the Minister is being unreasonable, but neither are those of us who are making our arguments. I made a point earlier that I will repeat and not labour. The Minister's amendment states that he shall, "not later than 18 months after the commencement of this section, commence a review" as opposed to completing a review. My amendment No. 5 seeks to have a report completed within 24 months. I do not think that is splitting hairs. There is a difference. I respect what the Minister said about taking the wording from the 2018 Act.

That was a good review. It was done in a timely fashion. It does not mean it will happen in this case. We are being asked to take a leap of faith. I am not saying there will be any bad faith on the part of the Minister but, having said this, while the Minister said he is moving it and progressing the review I am speaking about, I would take issue with the operational issues flowing from the Bill and certainly the legislative provisions. I have not seen anything from the Cabinet or the Government that suggests there is any speed or urgency about these particular recommendations. In fact, I have to put it to the Minister that I have seen the opposite. This is not to create a row or to create dissent. It is just my view. I want to see progress on it.

I have made my point. I do not believe the Minister is being unreasonable. I take the view that this is a very good Bill. I take the view that it is positive. I take the view that it is a step forward. I want to make another point which, for me, is important. Earlier a Deputy said somebody who goes to see a relative or friend in a clinic, GP surgery or hospital that provides abortion services could be arrested or could be subjected to the provisions of the Bill. This is clearly not the case. It is very important for us to be clear about what the Bill does and does not do. Such comments are made to sow confusion and it is wrong.

See this speech in context