Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

With the greatest respect, sometimes the argument must be laid out. The point is that there are appropriate moments to discuss issues people find disturbing and that this must be done in an appropriate way, with particular respect for the vulnerability of children and people's sensitivities. I would never enter a discussion about this issue without first warning people or asking them if they were ready to hear something I might have to impart to make a full presentation of the issues.

The same issue arises in regard to the issue of foetal pain. We are acquiring knowledge in this area. As a non-medical person, I am very slow to speak on this issue until I have checked with medical experts. However, Senator Healy Eames has raised a real issue. The Minister would be the first to tell us we are operating against a constitutional background which still provides, even in its flawed state, the full and unqualified guarantee to respect the equal right to life of the unborn and the duty to defend and vindicate that right as far as practicable. If that protection is to have meaning, then even in situations in which one is sure of the death of the unborn child as a result of procedures the Minister proposes to protect through this legislation - and I accept the legitimacy of some of those procedures, but not others - his duty to protect unborn human life also encompasses a duty to honour and respect the dignity of that life, even in moments when that life is being compromised.

Whether the Minister is going to accept this amendment or not - and I hope he will accept one on Report Stage if not - what I want to know more than anything else is how much the Minister knows about this matter. Has he researched the issue of foetal pain?