Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

When the Nowlan family visited me to explain their particular position that unless the law was changed soon their inquest would effectively be aborted, the situation was one in which, in effect, one could not make a decision other than the one I chose to make. I do not claim to have any special powers of generosity. Pierce's parents explained to me all the circumstances surrounding his death and the fact he ran away from them down the corridor to have this operation done and that was the last they saw of him alive. We must bear in mind that we could not deny them justice. It has been said hard cases make bad law but I do not believe that on this occasion. I believe hard cases are making good law.

I thank Members for their ongoing kindness and I wish them a happy and holy Christmas.