Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With the Chair's indulgence, I want to welcome the people in the Chamber who have come from all across Ireland today in the hope and expectation that this Bill will complete its passage through the Seanad.

I will be very brief as well because, like Senator O’Reilly, I am concerned there will be a major attempt to filibuster today. I simply want to say that the amendment proposed by Senators Keogan and Mullen is arrant nonsense, exactly for the reasons pointed out by Senators Moynihan and O'Reilly. This Bill is absolutely needed. The idea that protesters can be allowed on the inside is absolute and utter nonsense.

This is a very prescriptive Bill. It is very clear in terms of the actions that it does not allow.It is there to defend women so that they can access essential healthcare with dignity and in privacy.

I commend Senators from all parties for working collaboratively to support the together for change Bill. Let us continue to do that today in the best way we can to see this Bill through the Seanad.