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Seanad
‹ Report of the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution: Statements

US influence rejected

Summary

The Chair reminds her not to mention absent Senators, but Noone continues, saying the US has no place in the debate and that politicians must ensure it remains respectful, factual and not polarised.

Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator should not talk about Senators in their absence.

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It is not my fault he is not here.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator cannot comment on somebody who is not here.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator Noone has gone over time by six minutes.

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I am nearly finished. I thought Senator Craughwell's speech was excellent and I agree with his point about the US. The US needs to stay out of this. I think the term "pro-life" probably came from the US and we adopted it very readily but it has no place in the debate. We do no justice to the women of this country by continuing to allow this debate to be so polarised. The debate needs to be respectful and also needs to be considered and factual. We are leaders and we need to lead in our approach. We can make sure this debate is respectful. No politician will decide this issue. We will decide with everyone else but we will do our legislative duty by facilitating a vote of the Irish people after many years of waiting for it. I wish the Minister good luck with his work over the next few months.

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