A few weeks ago, I called for a debate on repeal of the eighth amendment. I am disturbed by some comments today. I respect the right of anybody to have an opinion on any issue and I have listened, but I find some of the distortions that have been raised about a particular programme on RTE absolutely horrific. The national broadcaster was not found to be biased in favour of abortion. It was found to be biased in a segment of one radio programme after a particularly distressing case where doctors were seeking advice on keeping a woman alive artificially because she was pregnant. Nobody could have failed to have been shocked by that case. I find phrases like "abortion holocaust" absolutely horrific and if Members would like the respect of the House-----

More than 1 billion babies aborted.

-----they should probably behave in an adult and mature fashion which commands the respect of the House. It is not conducive to debate when the Senator shouts across-----

Is the Senator looking for a debate on the issue?

I am, but it is not conducive to the debate when Members shout insults across the Chamber. If we are going to have this debate, we probably need to behave in a responsible fashion around it.

Well done.

Well said in many ways.

There is an example of hypocrisy for you.

I agree with Senator Máiría Cahill. Reason needs to be brought to this debate. Unfortunately, the debate is only emanating out of a sexy campaign called Repeal the 8th. None of the underlying issues is being discussed, although disturbing cases are being raised, with which we all sympathise. They are alarming in the extreme but reason needs to be brought to the debate. I would welcome a reasoned and sympathetic debate in the House, which would consider all the issues. My colleague, Deputy Willie O'Dea, spoke on this issue last night in a level-headed manner. If the eighth amendment is repealed, the protections of the unborn will be removed from the Constitution. What constitutional protection, therefore, will we provide for the unborn? Does the State want to take all the protections for the unborn out of the Constitution?

Is that from RTE?

Human rights extend further than people who are walking around on the planet. Human rights extend to the unborn because we were all unborn at one time or another. Other issues and wider factors need to be brought to bear in this debate and I ask the Leader to facilitate such a reasoned debate over a reasonable timeframe with everyone being allowed to express an opinion and bring balance to the debate. To date, the debate has not been balanced and there has been too much emotion. That serves no one's interest. I hope the Leader takes all views on board and facilitates such a debate.

That was the best contribution so far. Well said.