James Heffernan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The case has been well documented. The story resonated with me given the age of the woman and her husband and the fact that they were expecting their first child. It was a happy time for them. I know from my time spent working and teaching in England and from my experiences of the Hindu people that they are peace loving and abhor violence of any kind. This morning my thoughts and condolences - I speak for my party - are with the family.

The case will bring to a head the debate that surrounds abortion here. Both sides have debated the matter in the Chamber but the subject has polarised Senators. I know that as a politician, going door to door in County Limerick, one does not like when the subject is raised and perhaps we try not to deal with it. Members of this House, on both sides, must take some degree of responsibility for the polarising effects of the debate. It is not the kind of debate that should take place in the corridors of Trinity College Dublin. What happened to the lady in Galway could have happened to my wife, to any of our daughters or any of our granddaughters. It is 20 years since the Supreme Court ruling and two referendums have been held. It is time that the Government grasped the nettle and introduced legislation.