Chamber and committees

You have probably heard the views of those who hold vigils about the kind of information literature that they provide to support women in their choice. Do you have a view on what is provided to support women in the clinics and on the view of those who hold the vigils that they require to give them additional information to help them with their choice?

I have a brief supplementary question, which Father Keenan or Dr Pickering might want to answer. I found the discussion about influence interesting. At the point in time that the influence is applied, who is the target of that influence in the various gatherings that have been mentioned? Is the gathering trying to influence lawmakers, or is it trying to influence individuals so that they will make different decisions? Have you thought about that? Does that represent a different way of approaching things?

That is helpful. The next point that I want to make is about the 200m radius. Witnesses have discussed whether operators should be able to increase the size of zones proportionately. There has also been discussion about whether it should be possible to reduce their size. Do you have a view on that?

Some human rights organisations have suggested that operators should have to ensure that the balance is correct and that they should take evidence from staff if there is a continuing impact. How would it play out in the future if operators had to continue to speak to staff and assess the legislation’s impact?

I want to come back to human rights. I value the views that you have given us so far, which have really come through in the questioning.

It is important that we get the balance right for people. Am I right in saying that you feel that the bill provides a proportionate balance between the rights of people to express themselves and protection of people who are accessing healthcare? Would you say that the bill sets that out in a fair way?

That is helpful. Thank you very much.

This has been really useful. I am interested in what you said about some of the legislation that you have looked at listing prohibited behaviour. The sense we are getting is that we are not likely to go for that option here. Have any of the people who have had to implement the legislation indicated that they found one way to be better than the other?

I just want to quickly thank the panel for coming along. I mentioned to the previous panel the hope that there was for self-directed support when it was put in place, but I think that you have already answered that question by saying that it has just not reached its full potential.

I suppose that what I have, then, is not so much a question as a request for some homework. What would be the one thing that you think that we should tackle to try to move things on to the next step towards delivery?

Do you want to add anything, Julia?

Great. That was very helpful. Thank you.