Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the House would reasonably expect, I will confine myself to grounds not covered by Senator Ó Domhnaill but I will just say that the question of conscientious objection and people's need to express or act in line with their conscience can only be understood in this area by reference to the question of what people believe is legitimate healthcare. The conscientious objection issue arises for people who believe that what they are being asked to be involved with, goes against their deepest beliefs about what is good and true. Whether it is pharmacists, doctors, midwives or students in any of those areas, in the end, they also deserve to be trusted about where they believe they can or cannot get involved.

Senator Reilly's comments will not be of any consolation to many of the people who have been in touch with me because it is a paternalistic approach that says we will decide how much latitude people shall get if they have a conscience problem in this area.