Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Fair enough, but please do because it is an important point. A number of Senators referenced the backdrop to what we are experiencing here. I want to speak openly. As Senator O'Sullivan and others will be aware, I was also a member of the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution. It was a wonderful moment when we achieved repeal but, to a degree, I feel cheated because we have not seen the implementation of repeal in the manner it should have been implemented. As referenced, only one in ten GPs provides services. We know that almost half of all maternity hospitals do not provide termination services. There is a direct link to the chilling protests and subtle coercion, sometimes not all subtle coercion, that is being practised by these campaigners. I would make the point, respectfully, to the Minister that we can do something about it, and we should do that. There is a lot of work to be undertaken but if we could take this step in terms of engaging with this Bill to move it forward and to establish safe access zones that would be a great job of work. Hopefully, the Minister will acknowledge that all of us have tried to do this on a non-party political basis here this evening. We are trying to do what is right. We are trying to reach for the common ground. The Minister asked if we would work him in regard to his Bill. Absolutely, we will do so.