Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to commend Senators Moynihan and Gavan and the activists on bringing this Bill forward and for the fact that we are at a place where we are able to have this debate. People have different opinions on abortion and no one denies that. It is reasonable that people take their own personal views on it and there is no objection to that. However, feeling entitled because of one's personal views to stand, even silently, outside of a clinic, a general practice or a hospital in a manner intended to inhibit a woman or pregnant person's right to choose to go in there to terminate a pregnancy for one's personal choice and reasons is a sinister act. There is no question of that. We have heard characterisations today that are beneath this House and its honour.We have heard terms such as "fascism". When we look at the news we see what happens when organisations and countries such as Russia think they can influence other democracies. In June last year the European parliamentary forum for sexual and reproductive rights, of which some Members of the House are members, published the Tip of the Iceberg report. It spoke about funding coming from Russian oligarchs to organisations throughout Europe, including organisations in this country that have taken anti-gay rights stances and pro-life stances. People should look up the Tip of the Iceberg report. It is fascinating to see the organisations that are funded. When we stand up here and speak about fascism we need to be very careful that our associates are not equally involved and that those whom people think are on the pro-life end of things are not involved and being funded.