Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is obviously part of the game plan for the remainder of the debate. It is most unfair. Medical opinion is divided on this, as is legal opinion, political opinion and family opinions. However, we do not attack the opposite person, try to vilify him in a personal way and try to bring his character and credentials into dispute. That should not happen.

I love to listen to reasoned debate from the people on the opposite side to me. If I hear that Professor Binchy is on the television I will make every effort to listen to him with respect, even though I do not agree with him. There was a great exchange of letters between him and Senator Bacik in The Irish Timeswhich was really edifying. That is the level of debate I like.

I hope Members will not use the next two weeks as an opportunity to come into the Chamber to take pot shots at individuals who are not here to defend themselves. Let us leave it to the people. They have enough information at this stage and I believe they know what they are doing.