David Norris (Independent)

I do not like Catholic ethical committees. I do not like Protestant ethical committees. Religious sectarianism of any kind does not have a role in this area. The only reason I would support what is described as a Protestant ethos is because it clears those theological conceptions out of the way and places at the centre of treatment the rights and welfare of the patient and the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship. That is an important value which should be open to all citizens of this State, not just Catholics or Protestants.

I want to raise a number of other issues.