Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This matter was debated in the Lower House.

It is fair to say that I know where this proposal first entered the public debate. Almost immediately, Ministers and people on the medical side reacted and claimed why it could not happen. I am sorry that the Minister is not present. Yesterday, he and I clashed - purely in a political way and no more - when I raised some of the interventions of Dr. Anthony McCarthy. The Minister reminded me of how Dr. McCarthy had entirely dismissed this concept. However, I would remind the Minister of what said gentlemen stated on "Morning Ireland". I say this in the context of what the Minister of State's party colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, charged us with this afternoon when she asked what price we were putting on women's health. I agree with her, as I hope the Minister of State present does. It should be priceless. As a Government, a House and a nation, we should provide whatever money and services are required to look after women.

When Dr. McCarthy was asked whether he was dismissive of this amendment because it was somehow wrong, he replied that he was dismissive of it because it could not work and was "totally impractical". He stated:

I would love it if it were practical [but] mental health services in Ireland ... have always been under-resourced and cut back. The idea that, around the country from Dublin to Caherciveen to Drumshanbo, there would the availability in emergency departments of psychiatrists who would do comprehensive suicide assessments within two hours ... [when] we don't have them on call at weekends.

Listening to that interview, I heard a gentleman clearly outline the problem facing us, that being, resources. I ask colleagues, particularly my party colleagues, to reflect on this. We claim that this suicide option - as I would call it, this abortion treatment for suicide - would only apply when all other prospective treatments had been exhausted. However, a leading psychiatrist who some like to claim supports some of their arguments has put it firmly on the record that most of the so-called supports are not available.

As I stated on Second Stage, our ambition for the women and mothers of this country must be high, honourable and proud and contemplate more than just abortion. Women in pregnancy who are suicidal need every possible support. We should be willing to break the bank fiscally at budget time to live up to our responsibilities. We should be able to provide evidence-based treatments that have a history of working globally. Instead, we are being asked to include in law a treatment or solution-----