Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

How many times does that have to be repeated in order for people to understand what we are actually talking about? That is why we are bringing in this legislation. That is the basis upon which it is being introduced to the House.

Senator Bradford asked about the question of constitutionality, but ultimately that is not for me to decide. We touched on this the last day. I thank the Senator for his kind words about me being a lawyer, but I am not a legal adviser to the Government. I am, however, proud to be a Minister of State. The Attorney General advises the Government on the law. She has given assiduous and careful advice throughout this process. I have no reason to doubt any of the advice she has given on this Bill concerning its constitutionality or the constitutional questions. Ultimately, the Attorney General does not determine constitutionality either. As we know, other people do that. That is the system we have.

For the reasons I have outlined in this section, I do not propose to accept the amendments. As regards Amendment No. 16, I note that it is not to be required in the case of section 7 or section 8 terminations. That has not been explained, but I suppose it relates back to the overarching objection to section 9. There will therefore only be an ultrasound in a section 9 situation, but not in a section 7 or section 8 situation.