Results 3,261-3,280 of 4,178 for speaker:Paul Gavan
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: I thank Ms McDermott for coming today. We have all been very impressed by her story and it is great to hear John is doing so well. In particular, there are some very important messages for the committee to take on board with regard to the level of care and support that should be there for women who choose to continue with their pregnancy in challenging circumstances. Like my colleague,...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: Surely the reason they are on that boat or plane is that the State is saying it will not facilitate terminations.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: So if they want a termination, is it not true to say they have no choice but to travel?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: That is one way of putting it but my point, coming back to Ms McDermott's original line that no-one is forced, is that she has conceded herself that they have no choice but to travel if their mind is set on a termination. That is true, is it not?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: It is more than that.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: To take up the point that Senator O'Sullivan and indeed Deputy O'Brien made, Ms McDermott rightly spoke about compassion. She should have been shown an awful lot more compassion and support in her situation. However, there are women who desperately need compassion here at home, who passionately feel that they have to have a termination. We have had medical evidence, not from cheerleaders...
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: I am glad Ms McDermott raised that because I think it is the fundamental point. I do not think I am in a position to say to any woman what decision she should make in respect of her body and her health.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: Can I please finish? By all means, Ms McDermott can then answer. This comes to the crux of it. Does Ms McDermott not believe that we should trust women on this issue?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: So you do not think we should trust women.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: I am a big fan of Fleetwood Mac but we are dealing with evidence here and the evidence we have seen tells us that, actually, most women are fine after an abortion. I understand that is not Ms McDermott's perspective. My last question has, in fairness, been answered. Ms McDermott does not believe we should trust women on this issue, does she?
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: I think it is.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: With respect, that is the witness's own personal perspective and we get that.
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Termination in Cases of Foetal Abnormality: One Day More (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: I do not think she could then extend it to say that is every woman's perspective. It clearly is not.
- Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: I want to refer to the "RTÉ Investigates" programme, which, I am sure, all Senators watched last night. It just so happens that it was a neighbour of mine, Mary Comber from Scanlon Park in Castleconnell, who was featured. She is the poor lady who had to sell her jewellery in order to pay for a cataract operation that the State would not provide for her. I want to ask the question as...
- Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: Yet here we are, in 2017, and there is still a cohort of racists and bigots in our soccer. The problem is also widespread in our society. I would go so far as to say that every political party in this country has members who hold racist views. I would like a debate on racism. It would afford us an opportunity to send a united message that people who abuse great men like Cyrus Christie...
- Seanad: Order of Business (21 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: I second Senator Warfield's proposed amendment to the Order of Business, namely, for No. 18 to be taken before No. 1. I commend Senator Marie Louise O'Donnell. We really have to address this issue of Seanad reform. It is strange so many of us are calling for it, yet we do not seem to be going anywhere with it as a project. Today, a group of men, the survivors of sexual abuse at Creagh...
- Seanad: Order of Business (21 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: There is no reason for this. I do not believe anybody on this side of the House came in with the intention of denying these people justice. The Government side has the power to address this issue. There can be no excuse for not addressing it. As a matter of urgency, will the Leader bring the Minister for Justice and Equality into the House? I know she will be busy for the next couple of...
- Seanad: Order of Business (21 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: Excuse me, I meant "he".
- Seanad: Order of Business (21 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: My name can go after that of Senator Ó Donnghaile. There is no problem.
- Seanad: Statistics (1926 Census Release) Bill 2017: First Stage (21 Nov 2017)
Paul Gavan: I second the proposal.