Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 9:

In page 7, lines 19 and 20, to delete ", or by another person pursuant to an arrangement entered into under section 38 of the Health Act 2004".

We are making an absolute farce of this debate by moving on and not discussing fundamental issues in the Bill. I can understand why people pushing this through do not want to face reality but I can take whatever flak comes at me from the Opposition, my own party or the media. Any of that pales into insignificance when I consider the effect this Bill will have on innocent unborn life.

This amendment seeks to restrict the facilities and institutions that can be approved for carrying out these abortions. Section 3(1) states, "The Minister may by order, where he or she thinks it appropriate for the purposes of this Act, specify any institution managed by the Executive". I am seeking the deletion of ", or by another person pursuant to an arrangement entered into under section 38 of the Health Act 2004". If the amendment were accepted, there would never be a case where, for example, a Marie Stopes clinic or other strongly pro-abortion institution would be approved under this legislation.

I ask that the Minister agree to deleting that provision.