Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I just want to address what the Minister has said, if I may. I think it is a rather sneering attitude to a position that is more correctly described as philosophical. We all have our philosophical views. Where I differ from the Minister and where he differs from me is that I believe that human life begins at conception. I believe that is a very scientific and evidentially respectable position because at that point, you have 46 chromosomes, you have new human individuality and you have momentum towards life.

The Minister accepts that one can sincerely hold that principle and he said he respects that view, but I will prove to him that he does not because he refused at all points to meet with a single pro-life organisation in previous times. He has consulted only those who believe that life is dispensable. It is quite hypocritical of the Minister to say that he respects everyone's views because he does not. He has refused to listen to or engage with reasonable people who have wanted to engage with him on various legislation on various issues. He has actually shown nothing but contempt for the alternative view. The Minister tells an untruth, demonstrably.