Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I also welcome the opportunity to make some remarks on this most difficult issue, which has always caused problems for society in this country.

I was relatively young in 1983 but I recall the debates which took place in respect of this matter at that time. This issue has also been the subject of debate on a number of occasions since then. There is no doubt that the debate on it divides society. The position in that regard is no different among the parties, Independent groups, etc., in these Houses. The expert group has done a good job and I thank it for the work it has done in putting forward a number of clear and thorough options. I accept that many of us may differ on what are the correct options.

I do not wish to get political but people often state that no action has been taken in respect of this issue. While the issue may still remain to be dealt with in the context of the X case, of A, B and C v. Ireland and so forth, much did happen during the past 20 years. All parties in the Oireachtas participated in the process in this regard. That process gave rise to the introduction of the Green Paper, the deliberations of and report issued by the all-party committee - which received tens of thousands of submissions on this matter - the establishment of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency and the introduction of legislation and the holding of a referendum in 2002. Despite all of these developments, problems still remain.

As the Minister indicated, this is a hugely personal issue for most people and we all have our own views on it. I have three children, I am married and I was raised in a Catholic environment and attended Catholic school.

My personal position on the question of abortion is that I have always regarded myself as someone who is pro-life and against abortion on demand. However, if there was even a remote threat to the health or life of my wife, daughter or niece or our neighbour, I would want whatever best medical practice could offer. I may not be sufficiently well read on this subject and legal and medical experts can argue against each other without coming to a conclusion or consensus. In my ignorance or in reality, I understood the medical position in Ireland was that if there was a threat to any of the people mentioned - my wife, daughter or niece, or my neighbour - it would and could be dealt with.

The circumstances of the case of Savita Halappanavar appalled all of us, in particular the suggestion she had lost her life as a result of being unable to sufficient treatment. This is a very serious issue and two investigations are being carried out by the HSE and the HIQA. We look forward to the outcome of these reports. At this late stage and to follow on from what my party leader said in the other House, I ask if an independent inquiry in the interests of the family and everyone involved could be initiated. None of us knows for sure what happened in the case. Once there is clarification, action will need to be taken. I had presumed that the application of best medical practice would ensure my wife or daughter would be safe. I want that to continue to be the case. If the obstetricians and gynaecologists request a proper legal framework to facilitate them in their professional work and ensure women are protected during pregnancy, we must provide that framework. This may be a difficult process for the Houses, but that is the burden of the legislative process and the responsibility that comes with being Members of them. I am not a legal or medical expert, but I would like to think existing medical guidelines provide the basis for certainty and clarity in response to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights.

A recent opinion poll warrants a mention. There is overall agreement that the life and health of the mother must be protected. This view does not divide us. I do not believe two thirds of the population would want abortion on demand in this country. I would not want such a system. My view is based on personal morality that comes from within rather than from the influence of a Catholic upbringing.

Suicide is a very difficult issue. As a nation, we have always taken the wrong approach to it. We have paid lip-service in the provision of resources to combat the issue. Until we adopt the correct structural approach, the blindfold will remain in place. We need one well resourced agency with the power to take the initiative. I use the analogy of the Road Safety Authority. For many of us, suicide is a mystery wrapped in a riddle or an enigma. Society is failing those who regard suicide as the only option if others are not available. However, the threat of suicide as a legitimate reason will create the reality of abortion on demand, which would not serve my viewpoint well. There are very difficult days and there are difficult decisions ahead. However, the health of a mother must come first and if legislative action is required to assist in this regard, let it be done. I run into trouble on the issue of suicide and know that this view differs from that of others, but I hope they will take my sincerity into account in this regard.