Shane Ross (Independent)

With the permission of the House, I wish to share time with Senators Twomey, O'Toole and Quinn.

First, I join in the general acknowledgement that this is a very significant debate. I congratulate Senator Mullen, who is indeed carrying on a great tradition in this House. Senator Ó Murchú was very generous when he said that Independents have led the field on issues such as this and Senator Mullen has done everybody in this House a great service by raising the issue. He has given everybody an opportunity and indeed a challenge.

This is possibly a Bill that many of us would not have welcomed because it forces us to make decisions, say things and think about matters that are politically awkward and perhaps personally difficult to decide on. I have listened to virtually the whole debate and it has been extraordinarily useful. I would like to say one or two things about it.

I do not believe that there is any denominational element in what is happening here. Just because, in the past, there have been associations of sorts with the beginning of human life with certain denominational beliefs, it does not mean that this one follows in that particular tradition. I know many people of all denominations who have totally different views on issues of this type. I was impressed by what everybody had to say, but having heard all the contributions this evening, I do not know the answer to the crucial question of where human life begins. Nobody in this House would want to take or to countenance the taking of human life if he or she thought it began at a certain point. Having listened to the debate — I was struck by what Senator Corrigan said too — I am not a scientist and I do not know for one moment, but I realise that scientists on both sides have disagreed very strongly on, when human life begins. Therefore the crux of this Bill is very difficult to decide upon.

I do not believe for a moment that any insincere views are held. I respect equally the views of Senator Mullen, which were very constructive and well articulated, and those of Senators Norris and Bacik who are opposed to the Bill. There is a necessity to regulate. I welcome the fact that this Bill has been introduced because it has given rise to a debate which must go further.