We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Support for women in crisis pregnancies

Summary

Senator Healy Eames questions the emphasis on abortion and calls for discussion of sex education, adoption and non-directive counselling; the Chair directs the matter to the Health Minister.

I welcome that if he has, but we do not have that information. The reputation of this House is being affected by that type of behaviour. To be fair to Senator Landy, he has gone a long way towards explaining it. He needs to go another little way and give us the truth on this.

I noticed an article in The Irish Times today which stated that women in Ireland face extra burdens going to the UK for abortions. That is true, because we are not addressing the real problems and pressures here. We are not finding out what would have helped them not to have made that decision. What shocked me is that at the bottom of the article, they presume that the only way forward for women in difficulty is abortion, and they provide a website, abortionsupport.org.uk.

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Have you a question for the Leader?

Comment on this

Yes. Why is it that the only type of support which some in this House feel is needed for women in difficulty is abortion? What we are not having positive discussions about-----

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

You can ask those questions to the Minister for Health today.

Comment on this

Why are we not having positive discussions about sex education, adoption and non-directive counselling, which we know is not happening in the Irish Family Planning Association?

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

You are way over time.

Comment on this

That is a very serious allegation. The Minister for Health promised an inquiry on this, and it has still not been delivered.

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

You are way over time.

Comment on this

I am grateful for your time, but I am looking for a response.

Comment on this