David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last week, on the Order of Business, Senator Mullen raised issues arising from an unnecessary abortion that took place in a Dublin hospital. He spoke in a modulated and reasonable voice and his tone was perfectly appropriate but he was heckled and barracked in a concerted fashion until he had to stop. He was told among other things that it was disgraceful that he was raising issues arising from a tragedy, but we all do that. We do it in the wake of tsunamis, the murder of families and so on. I do not agree with Senator Mullen's views on many issues, including abortion, but it is very important that a voice like Senator Mullen's be heard in this House and heard with respect, unless and until he makes, as he sometimes does, inflammatory comments. Then it is fine to go after him, but to try to stop somebody speaking in this House is quite wrong.