Colleagues have referred to the tragic story that emerged overnight about what happened in Galway University Hospital. Out of respect for Standing Orders, I will not mention the names of the persons involved. We agree that what happened to this unfortunate woman is tragic. Our first thoughts must be with her and her loved ones, in particular her bereaved husband. We must be fair to the medical professionals involved and await the reviews and investigations into the case. It would be wrong to campaign in the absence of the facts and the necessary medical knowledge. We can say it would be unjust to seek to use this case as a wedge to promote the legalisation of abortion.

On trying to consult people with the necessary specialty, this case appears not to be about the state of Irish law but may be about the diagnosis and treatment of infection in the first instance. There may even be medical negligence issues. We must proceed with great caution. There have been helpful articles in The Irish Times that I noted overnight.

On a point of order, it is wild speculation to say there is a medical negligence issue. This is a very complex issue. I respect Senator Mullen's opinions on abortion although I might not agree with all of them. To throw into the mix that this may have been a case of medical negligence, without a scrap of evidence is not fair.

We are on the Order of Business; this issue should not be discussed in detail. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Yes. I greatly respect my colleague, Senator Crown. I think what I was saying was quite clear. We need to be very careful because of the potential panoply of different issues. I am in no sense asserting there was medical negligence. I am inviting people to be very careful about drawing any conclusion. I address that to all Members, with the greatest of respect. I think that is what I did say. What is clear from the Medical Council guidelines is that women are entitled to all necessary medical treatment. I think that includes induced labour if that is what is indicated.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Yes. It is a matter for sensitivity and honesty. The test is a woman's best interest in health care, to which she is entitled to under Irish law and medical guidelines.

The existence of the foetal heartbeat is a secondary issue in that instance.

The Senator is way over his time.

We need to proceed with caution. I note what my distinguished colleague, Senator Crown, has said but I think I am right to point to the fact that there are various different possibilities here and I am right to warn people against jumping to any particular conclusion. The Senator is obviously right to look out for his colleagues and I would seek to do so too and I do so because I am not prejudging what happened in this case.

On a point of order, I am not here to defend any professional group; I am speaking in the interests of justice.