David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I understand what the Minister means when he says he cannot be prescriptive because it would lead to a huge accretion of unnecessary detail in the legislation. The Minister is a doctor with good experience in the medical field. Can he comment on the very interesting observations made by Senator O'Donnell? I have no difficulty, being strongly pro-choice, but it seems to me that if the foetus is capable of experiencing pain of course one would give it an anaesthetic. It is very interesting, and probably true as Senator O'Donnell noted, that if the mother is fully anaesthetised so is the child, the unborn, or whatever they call it nowadays. That seems reasonable. Could we have a clarification on that point? I do not expect an absolute one because, as I understand it, the Minister has not practised as a gynaecologist. I wonder if there is any knowledge that could be made available to the Seanad that would set at ease the minds of people such as me, who are reasonable and pro-choice. Is what Senator O'Donnell noted true? It sounds eminently sensible to me. If not, is it general practice to ensure the foetus does not experience pain if it is capable of so doing?

That would set my mind at rest. Otherwise I will be forced to vote in favour of the amendment on Report Stage.