Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief because I am conscious that we want to finish Committee Stage today. I am glad to see this being progressed and to see the support across the House. It is important to remember that in the debate prior to the referendum, it was extremely difficult for people to come forward and to talk about their experiences. We had decades of silence when people were intimidated with regard to talking about their experiences, realities and the challenges and choices that they faced. It was powerful when people stepped forward, particularly when one bears in mind that they had criminal offences hanging over their heads at the time. It should not be the case that after that referendum and those hard conversations, when people made their children, that people again face intimidation, harassment or fear in stepping forward, when they are trying to access the health services that they are entitled to and need. It is not acceptable to have any lingering of this dimension of intimidation, silencing and pressure. We had long enough of that. The people chose to change it. We are now at the point of ensuring that the ancillary recommendations related to contraception and the promise about safe access zones are delivered. We knew that these would be issues. The committee anticipated them and made recommendations.

There is a concern that there are still hospitals in Ireland that are not providing people with the care they need. It is a real concern if there are hospitals where people are being pressured indirectly. This Bill is not just about hospitals, it is also about GP practices. I was moved when I heard about the practical implementation of access. Many rural GPs have their offices where their homes are. They have been subjected to protests outside their homes, which is not acceptable. It is important that we create a space which is safe, supportive and where people can access what they need, and in order that people can deliver the services they want and are bound to deliver by good ethics.

I am glad that the Bill is moving forward. I am not sure if we are speaking on amendments Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, at this point.