Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. It is great to see visitors back in the Public Gallery once again. People who have engaged in and led the campaign relating to this Bill have filled the Gallery. It is a relief to see citizens back in their Parliament.

It is glaring that there are no Government amendments to the Bill. There should always be an onus on Government to proactively engage in respect of Private Member's Bills, particularly in view of the fact that they represent the opportunity for citizens and parliamentarians bring forward legislation. I am somewhat disappointed not to see any Government amendments. The principle behind the Bill is about providing unencumbered access to facilities that provide legal termination of pregnancy services and protecting individuals who provide such services and allowing citizens to access those services, as is their right. I wanted to give my support to the Bill again. I hope to speak on other amendments.