Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the contrary, it is very germane to this legislation. If the medics are not covered, then it creates a situation where liability occurs. Liability insurance is costly. While the State may pick up the tab for that cover, what we have found in other jurisdictions is clear. Medics are softly pressurised - and hopefully we will get to the conscience stage because it will come up as well - by people who come from a different disposition. Within the Department and within the HSE we have people who are ideologically wedded to the idea of being pro-choice - that the woman should have a choice to determine if the baby lives or dies. Earlier today, I have spoken to people in the medical profession about this. I am concerned that unless people are reassured, I do not want to see a situation where they will either feel real or imagined pressure on them to ensure that the outcome is one which totally safeguards their position. Under this Bill it is clear that if the baby's life is ended, they are absolutely in the clear. I would seriously question anything that leaves ambiguity surrounding the fact that the baby - who may be seriously disabled - is not delivered, and that not all attempts are made to save that baby's life.