This morning's newspapers and last night's news programmes carried heartbreaking reports about an evolving situation in a hospital in the midlands. Our thoughts must be with the family of the woman involved. When asked about the situation yesterday, the Taoiseach stated that he was aware of the case and that, while it was difficult, now is not the time for constitutional change. On Tuesday evening, the Minister for Health commented in this House that current law is too restrictive and, while he did not mention the case in Mullingar, it must have been to the forefront in his mind. Can the Tánaiste confirm whether this case was discussed by the Cabinet at any stage this week and if she or her Cabinet colleagues were aware of it? Can she also confirm the Taoiseach's remark that the Government does not intend to review the legislation in this area?

First, regarding the media reports on the case of a young woman who is unfortunately brain-dead and being kept on life support, I understand her family is seeking to take a case to the courts. Obviously, I cannot comment in any detail on legal action that might take place.

I wish to express my sympathy for the family of this young woman on the tragedy that has happened. She had a serious brain trauma or brain event; I am not sure which it was. She was in Beaumont Hospital for a period of time but was subsequently transferred back to the hospital in her local area of Mullingar. At this time of the year, it is a terrible tragedy to visit a family and I sympathise with them.

The Deputy asked if I was aware of the case. I have been aware of it since late last Sunday, when I received a telephone call from the Minister for Health, who advised me in fairly sketchy terms - I think that was as much information as he had - about the very tragic circumstances of the case. Subsequently, I had a conversation with the Taoiseach. As to whether there was a discussion about it at the Cabinet, there was none of which I am aware. Obviously, I had a discussion with the Minister when he advised me of this potentially pending case and the tragic circumstances. I also briefly discussed it with the Taoiseach yesterday morning.

Clearly, it is for the woman's family and loved ones to decide how they would like their daughter to be treated. I understand they will possibly take court proceedings some time early next week.

This is a most appalling situation for the woman, her baby and her family. Will the Tánaiste and the House join me in asking those on either side of this debate to remember that there is a family at the centre of this and that whatever discussion and debate we have on this case in the next few days should put dignity at the heart of it? The case should not be used by any side to advance a political view on this issue.

I will be honest about this. The people voted in favour of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, but when it was put to the people the Labour Party recommended against voting in favour of that amendment. That was our position then and it has been our position for a long time. In cases such as this, the issue is the medical care of the woman. It is a relatively early stage in the pregnancy and my understanding is that the doctors have sought, and are seeking, to give both the woman and her baby the maximum amount of care and attention. Cases such as these are very tragic for the families involved.

Speaking as a mother and a woman, I believe there is a huge amount of common ground in this debate, which is sometimes drowned out by the noise from those at the extremes on both sides of what at times can be a very extreme debate. These issues are not easy. In the programme for Government the Government agreed to address a series of previous court case issues, such as the X case. I do not know the Deputy's views, but if I recall correctly, he was one of the Members who had reservations about legislation on these matters, and I believe he voted accordingly. However, notwithstanding the enormous difficulties, there is an unspoken agreement on all sides of the House among people in the centre ground to respect life and to ensure that the maximum and best attention is available to women who are pregnant, while respecting the right of choice and the right of women to seek the best possible outcomes in respect of their health and their lives. Obviously, that also involves the life of any baby.