Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, pay tribute to those who spoke out. As the Deputy correctly said, I was very influenced and informed in my own views. I am also very conscious, as the Deputy said, that they played a much larger role than any politician in this House, most particularly myself, in bringing about a successful "Yes" vote because they spoke to the people of Ireland and the people of Ireland responded compassionately. I also participated in debates, however, as did the Deputy's party and other parties, when we told people that a "Yes" vote was a vote for this and not for that. We have to reflect on that. Within that context, some of the things the Deputy said have merit. We put in place a review clause because we want to make sure the legislation is operating as intended. The perspective I come from on this is very straightforward. It is about wanting to provide healthcare to women. It is about wanting to be non-judgmental and compassionate. It is the same approach I brought when I campaigned for repeal and worked across party lines in a minority Government to pass the legislation.

It is not that the Government has a report and has not been doing anything. A very significant amount of work has been done with that report in the operational space. Also, from a legislative point of view, the priority has been safe access zones. I will continue to keep the Deputy and the House informed on our thinking on this.

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