Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We must avoid the divisions and hostilities of that campaign. There is an obligation on all of us to keep the debate respectful, to understand the points of view of those who do not agree with us and to remember that the views of the Irish people are neither set in stone nor as polarised between two mythical poles as might seem from the debate to date.

One of my favourite political quotes has been on my mind this week and it is as follows: "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?" It is normally attributed to John Maynard Keynes but whatever its source the feeling is apt for now. I hope that we can all consider our positions. I hope that we will consider the needs and rights of women in Irish society, and the urging of medical and legal experts, and reach the best solution for us, as a democracy, in the 21st century.

The Minister has the reports of both the Citizens' Assembly and Oireachtas joint committee and statements from the Seanad and Dáil this evening. I hope he has the courage to arrange a referendum on this issue as soon as possible because it needs to be sorted.