Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate that I am here all day. I might even be here all night. I am ready to face any charges that people might wish to level at me. I do not wish to see the names of members of my staff dragged onto the record of the House. I do not want to see points made about them when they are not in a position to defend themselves. I am very lucky with the people I have working with me. Perhaps Senators should pick on people who are here to defend themselves.

In light of the points made by Senator Higgins, I find it bizarre that certain Senators would suggest that this aspect of what we are proposing has come as a great surprise or shock. Certain Senators who campaigned on the "No" side constantly told the electorate that if the referendum were passed, the Minister would try to make these services free in this country. I saw the billboards with my name on them that were erected around the country as part of very personal attacks and said I would ensure this service would be funded by the taxpayer. Op-eds were written in newspapers. Press releases were issued. Those who campaigned for a "No" vote made it very clear what my intentions were. I thank them for doing so. In bringing forward this service in my role as Minister for Health, I have always been very clear that it should be free, safe and legal, as Senator Humphreys has correctly said. If it is not free, we will end up preventing certain sections of our society from accessing safe and legal services