News & Statements

Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013: Report Stage

The nub of this legislation rests in sections 7 to 9, in inclusive, which detail the physical threat to health, emergency situations and suicidal intent. The debate, particularly in recent weeks, has focused on section 9, which deals with suicidal intent. The suggestion from some is that hordes of suicidal pregnant women will suddenly come forward and these will run rings around professional psychiatrists. There is also a suggestion that these women may only "think" they are suicidal and that they should be locked up for their own protection. The reality is that women in crisis pregnancies, whether suicidal or not, will continue to do what they have always done when this legislation is passed, as I hope it will be. They will go to England. To stay in Ireland and subject themselves to the process we are putting in place means they would be suicidal when finished with it if they are not when they begin.

Buttimer welcomes €23 million investment in Pfizer Ringaskiddy plant

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement that Pfizer is investing €23 million in its facility at Ringaskiddy in Co. Cork. The investment will be focussed on developing specialist new capabilities to manufacture some of Pfizer’s newest medicines in cancer and other future pipeline medicines.

Conway welcomes €40 million research investment in University of Limerick

Fine Gael Clare Senator, Martin Conway has today (Monday) welcomed the announcement of €30 million in funding from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and an additional €10 million from industry partners, to support world-class research at the Synthesis & Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC) based at the University of Limerick.