Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Mar fhocal scoir, bronnaim mo fhíorbhuíochas agus mo chomhghairdeas ar an Aire agus a fhoireann as ucht an Bhille seo a ritheadh san Oireachtas. Is lá an-stairiúil agus an-tábhachtach é seo. I congratulate the Minister on his leadership and courage. I acknowledge on my own behalf and as Leader of the House the staff who have worked with the Minister in the Department of Health and his own staff for their sterling work in ensuring we have passed this very important legislation today. I commend and thank all Members of the House for their participation in the debates during the past week. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his accommodation of the late sitting late and, in particular, I thank Senators Mullen, Ó Domhnaill and Wilson for their courtesy and respectful debate with other Members of the House over the past week. The tone of the debate, in the main, was befitting of the Upper House and in stark contrast to some of the performances in the other House. The Members of the Seanad upheld the dignity of the House with great respect and I thank them all for that.

Many of the points I wanted to make have been made, from the clarity and certainty of protection of life to the liberation of the referendum result on the repeal of the eighth amendment last summer to today's passing of this historic Bill on a day when we commemorated Vótáil 100. Notwithstanding the different viewpoints, this is a day when we can say to Irish women of today and of the future that their healthcare can be delivered safely and legally, and that the veil of darkness and secrecy is lifted from them.

To the former Minister for Health, Senator James Reilly, the former Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, the former Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore, the Minister, Deputy Harris, and the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, I say that our country has come on a huge journey. We are a Republic which cherishes all equally. We have made gargantuan progress in the past decade, although we have a significant journey to go. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his courtesy and all the Acting Chairmen who chaired proceedings during the week. I thank Senator Catherine Noone for her work on the committee. I thank the Seanad staff, the ushers, the recording staff, the sound staff and the staff who record our votes for their tremendous professionalism and dedication. I wish everyone a safe journey home and I thank them for being here on a very historic day.