I welcome the opportunity to have this debate. It seems clear to me that while the referendum and the legislation that followed it was a watershed moment, it does not represent the end of the discussion by any manner or means. It also seems clear to me that further reform is needed - reform that is evidence-based, thoughtful and compassionate - that will deliver better, less stigmatising access to abortion for women who need it for what it is, that is, healthcare. Sinn Féin supports removing the three-day wait period and replacing it with a right-to-reflection period. I welcome the opportunity to debate the shortcomings that exist in abortion services in Ireland, of which there are many. My colleagues have mentioned the postcode lottery. It is undoubtedly the case that in large parts of the country women are not in a position to access abortion services. That clearly needs to be addressed. The three-day wait period, which Sinn Féin did not ever support, creates an unnecessary obstacle. It puts women in difficult situations, in particular women from minority backgrounds, or perhaps most of all those who are in a coercive control relationship, who may experience domestic abuse. Therefore, accessing any appointment is a challenge, not to mention having to access frequent appointments or multiple appointments. Our priority is access to services, which were voted for and endorsed by the people, and too many barriers currently remain. Tá gá é sin a réiteach. The proposals to decriminalise medical practitioners who knowingly and willfully act illegally beyond the scope of the Act is an issue that we find problematic and troubling. Unfortunately, we have a long and troubling history in this country of scandals in women's healthcare right up to recent years. The law needs to be clear and there should not be carte blanche. The provisions in this legislation could have significant unforeseen and unintended consequences. We believe there is scope and a need for constructive engagement to ensure thoughtful legislation to address the issues and in particular to ending the three-day wait, which is an unnecessary obstacle to services.

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