Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the amendment. It would be useful to have the information in relation to the facilities in place at each of the hospitals listed in the Schedule available to us. I am particularly interested to know if the supports required are available at Sligo General Hospital and Letterkenny General Hospital.

There is no mention in the Bill of medical procedures to save a baby's life, such as, for example, caesarean section or induced labour which would provide the baby with an opportunity to live. The Bill deals solely with abortion and provides procedures and penalties if the laws in that regard are breached. If the Bill were focused on the protection of life, mention of protection of the baby would be referred to at each stage. If as stated the purpose of the Bill is protection of life, why then does it not include a mechanism to protect the life of the baby? I am confused by the Minister of State's swift reaction to not accept the amendment. Given the Title of the Bill, perhaps the Minister would reflect on the matter and come back with an amendment on Report Stage which could be supported.