David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Freeman. It is appalling that websites that tell people how to commit suicide should exist. Recently, there was a case before the courts where a man murdered his wife, having contacted a site called, How to Murder Your Wife, where he got precise instructions. It is outrageous that such things should be allowed on the Internet.

I also wish to mention the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill which is coming before the House. It is an extremely important Bill. It is a very sensitive subject and I hope there will be what Senator Mullen ironically called "a respectful debate". The issue is very complex.It would be a mistake to rush into it and I think the Government is making a mistake in this respect. It is not appropriate to lay this burden on general practitioners. I see no reason we should not have clinics for this as it is in clinics that this should be delivered. Perhaps I should leave my comments on this issue for the debate.

I recently visited a young doctor who voted "Yes" in the abortion referendum. He told me something that I had thought was a myth. He said there was a considerable amount of regret among women who have abortions. I thought it was a scare tactic but apparently it is not.