I welcome the statement from Deputy Charles Flanagan yesterday that amendments will be taken to the protection of life during pregnancy Bill 2013 when it comes before the Oireachtas.

It has been useful to hear some of the amendments that have been proposed over the weekend. I liked the one about legal representation for the unborn which would make the Bill consistent with our Constitution in that there would be an equal right to life for both the mother and the unborn child. Also, we need to face up to the fact that in the current proposed legislation there are no time limits, which would be barbaric. That is consistent with the Supreme Court judgment and amendments in those areas would be most useful.

I have a particular question following the very useful input by Professor Fergusson - the New Zealand researcher in the area of abortion and mental health effects - on "Morning Ireland" this morning during which he confirmed that among women who have abortions there is an increased rate of suicidal thoughts compared with women who have brought babies to term. I liked that he said there was a real need to consider the real reasons that women seek abortions. We have an opportunity this afternoon and I would like if the Leader would influence that. This afternoon, the Joint Committee on Health and Children is sitting and will consider who to bring before it.

That is a matter for the health committee.

I realise that.

Senator, have you a question for the Leader?

I have a question. I would like if the Leader would convey my wishes - I have made a formal request to the committee - that women who have had abortions, including women who regret their abortions and women who are happy with them, would be brought before the committee in camera.

Senator, that is a matter for the health committee.

It is a matter for the committee and it is a matter for this House.

It is a matter for the committee, Senator.

It is a matter for our country.

It is a matter for the committee who it brings before it; it is not a matter for this House. There is a joint committee set up and it is a matter for that committee to bring before it whoever it requires. Have you a question for the Leader?

I beg your indulgence, but I wish to finish my point. We have a moment in our history where we could make a real difference in finding a way to reduce the number of women who need abortions in future by listening to women who have had abortions and why they had to take that lonely journey and road, often alone.