Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In regard to the suggestion of distrust in women, nobody distrusts anybody. Laws are about dealing with realities where people are vulnerable. According to that logic, a law that prohibits abortion in any situation means that we distrust women. That simply is not a basis for argument. The opposition to abortion springs from the fact that people, women, find themselves in vulnerable situations. The position I have been trying to advance is that the compassionate response is to care for both persons. That is not an issue of trust. It is not an issue of mistrust or distrust. It is an issue of recognising vulnerability and providing for what the community wants to happen in those situations. As I have said, I am very disappointed that the Minister has not been open to the necessary clarification that we have requested. As I have said, there will not be much doubt at the bar of history about what the Minister promised and what he is delivering by its absence in this legislation.