Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Okay. Let me say clearly, when I saw the operation of the surrogacy committee, and the way in which Senator Keogan, in particular, was treated, I was tempted to wonder whether the normal, mature, careful, respectful, deliberate process we expect in Parliament and in its committees was being undermined by the fact that personal feelings were so strong around the issue. At one point, I was tempted to think it would have been more appropriate if Senator Seery Kearney had been a witness rather than a member. However, I corrected my own thinking on that before I ever expressed it because that would have been the wrong view. She has a mandate and, as an elected representative, she has the same right as anyone else to speak to any issue, to be on any committee and to be part of the normal parliamentary process.