Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like Senator Bacik I welcome tomorrow's debate on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill, but unlike her I do not see the church as interfering or dictating but merely having its say like everyone else, to which it is perfectly entitled. Everyone deserves to be heard. I know that some people on both sides of the argument are an annoyance and a total bloody nuisance, if I may say so. However, that is something we, as democrats must put up with and we are prepared to live with that. However, I do not see the church in that light whatsoever.

There are many difficulties. We know that the legislation, if and when it is passed, is very likely to be challenged, and for that reason, I would hope the President in his sanguinity and wisdom will call in the Council of State to refer the matter to the Supreme Court in order that it can be put beyond doubt one way or another.