Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not intend to break the rules of Committee Stage as the Cathaoirleach would not appreciate it but on this occasion I will deviate from the amendment before us. Of course, I am aware of the Taoiseach's comments. He is entirely correct in his statement that if these Houses pass the legislation and the President signs it into law, services will be available in January. That is what he stated at lunchtime today. That would mean that the more than 300 women who will experience a termination in January will have access to services in their own country and that the trip to Liverpool via ryanair.com or visiting a website to buy an illegal abortion pill will no longer be necessary. The Taoiseach also truthfully pointed out that it takes time for services to embed, evolve and be fully implemented and I fully agree with him in that regard.

On clinics, the decision taken by the Oireachtas committee was that we should ensure abortion services are integrated into the public health service and provided in the community where possible. I support that decision.