I support the call made by a number of Senators that whatever inquiry is held into the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar, it must be truly independent and the family must be central to it. Senator Ó Clochartaigh made the point that it should not involve people from the hospital in Galway if the inquiry is to be truly independent, although they will obviously be part of what happens.

As we have been waiting 20 years for legislation in this area, it is not fair to ask us to wait for the outcome of the inquiry into this tragic case. A number of referendums have already been held, as well as a Supreme Court judgment in 1992 and a European Court of Human Rights judgment. The State clearly needs to legislate so that we can provide certainty to medical professionals. It was disingenuous of Senator Mullen to suggest that Sinn Féin does not understand the implications of the X case. I advise the Senator that views differ on this issue within every political party. Some in Sinn Féin are pro-choice and others are pro-life, and both groups are entitled to their positions. We have a long-standing party policy that aims to ensure -----

What about his party's manifesto?

Has Senator Cullinane a question for the Leader?

You do not represent the Labour Party position on this. I will not take any guff from you.

Senator Cullinane -----

You do not represent your own party's position.

----- have you a question for the Leader?

Will the Leader encourage his party's Members to support the motion that has been tabled and will the leader of the Labour Party do the same among Members from her party? It is a clear and modest motion.

What about the Senator's own Members?

It simply calls on the Government to legislate for the X case.

Has the Senator a question on the Order of Business?

The women of Ireland should not have to wait any longer.

My party is pressing for legislation.