I am pleased to be able to support this Bill on behalf of the Green Party. We were proud to campaign in support of repeal in 2018. During that campaign we worked with activists from all parties and none to share that central argument that Ireland needed to listen to women and to empower them to make their own decisions about their own bodies. The people responded to that argument and responded with compassion, especially to the stories that were shared throughout that campaign. Collectively we worked to bring a really historic change in our country. That work is not yet complete and we need to continue to listen to women and to respect their right to choose on all aspects relating to their healthcare. I reaffirm the term "healthcare" because the three-day waiting period was not introduced as a health measure but as a political consideration and we know it is not something required by principles of care or good clinical practice. The World Health Organization said very clearly these waiting periods are unnecessary and of course the O’Shea report recommended its removal. In speaking on this Bill I should acknowledge that just a couple of weeks ago I was speaking in favour of legislation that also sought to remove the three-day waiting period and in addition sought to address other issues that were highlighted in the O’Shea report. While this Bill is more narrow in its scope than I would prefer, it is important not to let perfection be the enemy of good and to recognise the removal of the three-day wait is in itself a positive step. I am hopeful that, should this Bill go to Committee Stage, we will be able to look again at the other elements of the O’Shea report and indeed add elements to this Bill via amendments, especially to do with the issue of fatal foetal abnormalities. The current law in that area creates deeply traumatic circumstances that can put women and families in incredibly difficult situations. Those issues are not addressed in tonight’s Bill and I will look to bring forward or support amendments if this Bill moves through the House, which I hope it does. I will look to support amendments that would address the issue of fatal foetal abnormalities. The referendum campaign in 2018 was one by a coalition the repeal campaign forged and it was a prime example of the kind of progressive co-operation we can see across political parties and with people who had no prior political involvement. I hope on this particular matter we will see this co-operation extend to the Government benches as well. I welcome that a free vote is being permitted on this and that the Taoiseach has indicated he is going to be supportive, but we need that firm commitment from Government and in particular from the Minister for Health that if there is a positive vote on this Bill on Second Stage we will see the Government engage seriously with this legislation and with the central issue of the removal of the three-day wait. The Government can demonstrate its seriousness by making sure this Bill is rapidly tabled on Committee Stage. In 2023, the rallying cry of the repeal campaign was "Women Won't Wait". Women should not have to wait in 2026. We have the opportunity now to continue the work begun in 2018 and to remove a condescending and paternalistic approach to an already difficult decision that many women in Ireland have to make.

Sentiment score: 0.27