Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I had not intended to speak on the Order of Business today but must now do so as there was a reference to my having raised a particular issue yesterday with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald. I complimented the Minister on her excellent performance at the United Nations committee in Geneva and also complimented her on how quickly she has read into her brief. It was Senator Walsh rather than I who raised the issue of abortion. As the issue has been raised again, I agree it is an important issue, but I would like the record to reflect that I did not raise it yesterday. I only asked the Minister to deal with the issue of gardaí having to obey red traffic lights.
I would like to read into the record an article I read, which states:

The last two days saw Ireland’s human rights record being examined by a United Nations panel. Among the subjects discussed was Ireland’s law on abortion. The panel warned that the Irish State could still be in breach of human rights legislation on the issue of abortion - because it criminalises pregnant women who seek a termination following a rape or due to a fatal foetal abnormality. Particular mention was given to recent opinion polls that indicate support for termination for medical reasons.

This issue formed part of the discussion at the United Nations and was not raised in the House. I believe it is worth putting the above quotation on record. Discussion on the issue is ongoing. While debate is no harm, it is important that the full story rather than part of it is put on the record.