Taoiseach as the referendum campaign draws to a close I think it is important to put
on the record that this has largely been a respectful debate with many people having
genuinely held positions on the proposition before them.
And I can genuinely say on my own part from meeting people on the doorsteps and on the
streets that people have been very courteous & have been very fair.
Irrespective of the positions they may have.
I think it's also true to say that many people out there are still conflicted.
Many people are having difficulties making up their mind.
And have articulated this openly to us.
And that is not surprising given the issue involved.
It's complex, it's sensitive and it's deeply personal for many people.
Now our cross party oireachtas committee dealt with the issue thoroughly following on from
deliberations at the citizens assembly.
And the recommendations of the oireachtas committee have now been largely reflectedby
the minister in the proposed heads of bills.
And I believe it's important to state some key facts in relation to that legislation.
And if you read again all of the evidence that was given to the oireachtas committee,
all the obstetricians to the committee were adamant, very clear that where a baby was
viable in the womb, they would deliver.
Always deliver the baby safely, no matter what the circumstances.
And that is reflected in the legislation published by the minister in head 4.
In addition, it's very clear that the proposed legislation will not allow termination of
pregnancy on the grounds of disability which at times has been claimed.
And I think taoiseach you can also confirm that late term abortions are also prohibited
in that legislation, with some exceptions in terms of fatal feotal abnormalities and
genuinely emergency medical care.
So the fundamental point I'm making is that the proposed legislation in now way does it
represent abortion on demand or is it comparable to the UK legislation regime.
And I think that needs to be said.
Finally Taoiseach, I want to ask you over 125,000 people are on the supplementary register.
Many are young people and when I was on Charlemont bridge with Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, many cycled
past us.
And what's interesting many are from all over Ireland.
They will need to get back on Friday in many cases to vote.
I would ask employers to be flexible.
It's good for our democracy.
I make my comments with the people out there in mind....outside of this house who are wrestling
with the issue.
As many in this house have as well.
And I would invite people to watch the powerful testimony of Pat and Mary Lyons on Joe.ie
about their daughters journey to Liverpool in the context of a fatal foetal abnormality.
And the very difficult nature of that.
And indeed for women in such situations to be given choice.
That is what exercised the members of the committee.
The issues of fatal foetal abnormality, the issues of rape, and incest.
The reality today of the availability of the abortion pill and the necessity to ensure
medical supervision and care for women who may take the abortion pill and are doing so
right now.
Those are the reasons why the committee came to the 12 week conclusion.
Those were the issues that informed them and in now way can it be described as it has been
described as some will feel...legislating for abortion on demand.
That is not the intention of the cross party members of this committee.
I respect all views in the house.
Those who have a different view to mine because it is not an easy issue.