Twenty-one years after the X case, the enactment of the Protection of Life legislation is a significant landmark.
That said, what the Oireachtas has done tonight is no more than should be expected of us:
Twenty-one years after the X case, the enactment of the Protection of Life legislation is a significant landmark.
That said, what the Oireachtas has done tonight is no more than should be expected of us: to give expression in statute to a constitutional right – one that cannot be disputed to exist – and in doing so, to provide a procedure through which that right may be exercised.
During the course of the debate, it was said that this was all about satisfying a Labour Party manifesto commitment. Of course, this is not about any one party, but I am deeply proud of what has been done tonight, and pleased that this commitment has been honoured, with very considerable cross-party support in both Houses, and by such an overwhelming majority.
This issue has always been one that relates principally to women’s lives. I believe strongly that it is also an issue of women’s rights. Many women – and men – are disappointed that more could not have been done in this legislation. But we must honestly accept, irrespective of our point of view, that what has now been enacted by the Oireachtas is no more, and no less than what the people have provided for in their Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court some 21 years ago in the X case.
For any further changes to occur will require an amendment to the Constitution, which can only be done by the people in a referendum. I believe there is a strong case for such a referendum in the future - in the not too-distant future, I hope.
Any change will be for the people to decide. For now, as legislators, we have done our duty by the people.
Minister of State, Alex White TD has welcomed the Government launch of the JobsPlus initiative which will incentivise employers with up to €10,000, if they employ a person who is long term unemployed.
“Government is listening to business owners and employers and is finding new ways to encourage the recruitment of the unemployed. We want to remove the barriers that exist to get people back to work. We cannot underestimate the corrosive impact of unemployment – it’s the biggest challenge facing our community.
“With this simple scheme, employers can access up to €10,000 for a qualifying recruit, payable on a monthly basis over a two year period. Both employers and employees can register for the JobsPlus scheme by registering online atwww.jobsplus.ie. 197,508 people in Ireland are currently eligible for this scheme which is designed to help them get off social welfare and back into work.”
This welcome announcement came in the final days of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council, where Ireland and its European partners committed to providing €6 billion to help combat youth unemployment across Europe and in Ireland through the Youth Guarantee.
Minister White said: “These funds will be spent to implement the Youth Guarantee. This Guarantee will offer a young person from 2014 quality employment, training, an apprenticeship or further education within four months of finishing their education or becoming unemployed.”
I thank all the Deputies for their contributions throughout this very good and extensive debate, which was very respectful to all the positions that have been articulated. I did not hear any attacks by any colleagues on the character of others who have taken a different view, as was suggested earlier. All the contributions have been measured and there has been a very good analysis of the Bill and the constitutional context in which we operate. T
