Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We know many of these consultants operate private practices in public hospitals and have their own private insurance in addition to any public cover they have in public hospitals.

According to obstetricians who require insurance to cover the work they carry out, they fear, with the legislation as drafted, that in so far as practicable and possible that if they save the life of the child that it could result in their insurance premia being increased. I expect the Minister will give a guarantee that this will not be the case. If so, it should be put on the record of the House and ensure the myth is put to bed. Otherwise, if such a guarantee cannot be given tonight, we know it is not a myth. Obstetricians, who are doing this country some service, deserve to know if new legislation which introduces the abortion of children will mean their insurance premia will be increased because they will be forced to take certain actions against their better judgment. That is what Senator Healy Eames is trying to ascertain.