Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response, but it is frustrating. She stated: "At this juncture, the design and scope of this aspect of the model of care have not been finalised". For what are we waiting? The Minister for Health was incredibly vocal on this issue while in opposition. He made a commitment. People cannot wait too long. Sometimes, this is spoken about as if it is some sort of entitlement, but it is not. It is an equality issue. I ask the Minister of State, who sits at Cabinet, to use her role to ensure that these women and couples are heard and supported.

I do not know whether the Minister of State got to hear it, but at lunchtime yesterday, Newstalk devoted more than half an hour to this issue. It had people on, including a girl called Grace and others, who spoke about their personal journeys. If people just listened to such stories, much of this would be done faster. In her role at Cabinet, I ask the Minister of State to influence the Cabinet to make a decision as quickly as possible.