Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 8, line 21, after “woman” to insert “and consulted with her, where possible”.

I will be brief as many of my colleagues have tabled similar amendments. The phrase "consulted with" places the woman's voice at the heart of the legislation and reflects the spirit of the outcome of the referendum which enshrined a woman's right to choose. I hope the Minister will take it on board. He has maintained that the legislation must be streamlined, but this is a very practical amendment. "Consult with" is consensual language. The Bill should be specific in indicating that a woman should have her say on how she would like to be treated.