Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is no evidence to suggest that is the case, and others would disagree with the Senator. We will not rehash the debate. My point is that making abortion illegal does not stop abortions happening and that there is a reason we make them legal, namely, that it makes them safer and that we know that women need access to that care for a variety of reasons. What we have not done in this country, however, is enough work to make the choice to go through with a crisis pregnancy a bit easier for some women who may feel they cannot do so because this country does not care for women properly in that regard as single parents are more likely to be in poverty, and then there is childcare, housing and so on. We have consensus on that for the most part. I am of the view that all sides could work together on that aspect, and we could have a better society for it. For some reason we just do not seem to be getting to grips with that element. In any event, I take on board the points Senator Mullen made. I know that he articulates views that are shared by some members of our society. I also know that this is not a consensus issue.

Senator Dolan spoke about the meeting held in Raheen Woods, Galway, in advance of the announcements today on the RSS, Tús and CE. She made the point that in all our communities they do vital work not just for the GAA clubs, parish councils and Tidy Towns but also for charities and many other organisations. They are a valuable resource. They do so much good work that just would not get done otherwise by local authorities. They provide a great service. The changes announced today will be greatly welcomed right across the board.