Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator Burke has given a very clear reason to oppose these amendments. This reason comes from seeking advice from Irish consultants. It is very important that we look at Irish medical practice. We need to trust doctors in this country. I was present in the Chamber yesterday when the Minister for Health gave a very full explanation as to why these particular amendments would not be accepted. We had a very full debate on similar amendments on Committee Stage. We did not get to a number of other amendments on Committee Stage that would be worth debating, and I hope we can do so. The debate on this has really been gone over quite a number of times, and we have heard very clear reasons for opposing them. It is unfortunate that the debate has been dominated by a small number of individuals and by quoting from US practice and US research. We need to look more closely and focus on the Irish Constitution, which sets out the parameters within which we must legislate, and look also at Irish medical practice and trust our doctors.