John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

In recent weeks, the House undoubtedly has dealt with a large quantity of legislation. Questions have arisen in the media regarding a clear outline as to the blasphemy provisions in the Defamation Bill. In many ways, the media are unclear until they receive clarification. In addition, I refer to the possibility of a case being brought and as the courts do not judge in a vacuum, they need direction as to the intent of a Bill. Consequently, I ask the Leader to restate that the Bill was passed with a view to the ultimate respect for all religious beliefs. I refer to the belief in God, whatever one may perceive him to be, and that no one would be offended by any article, words or image that might offend people or attempt in any way to denigrate people's beliefs or to actually blaspheme. In other words, it was a technical Bill and this would be of benefit to the media, which are unclear, and to the courts, were they to require clarification.

Second, I refer to the European Court of Human Rights. In respect of a court of human rights, there can be no other decision, as a human right, as to the preservation of the right to life. In the next session, it might be useful were Members to debate, in the context of the provision of referral information in Ireland, an obligation to suggest an ultrasound whereby it will be quite clear to the person seeking an abortion that she is dealing with a living human being.