Opposition representatives walked out of an Oireachtas committee yesterday when a controversial draft report on assisted human reproduction was deferred.
The meeting to consider the draft report ended after only an hour following heated exchanges as Opposition TDs and Senators accused Fianna Fáil members of dragging their feet on the issue for political reasons.
A sub-group of the Joint Committee on Health, which has a Government majority, produced the draft report that backs, in many cases, the relatively liberal approach to this area concerning in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment put forward last year by the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction.
Yesterday, Fianna Fáil deputies and senators moved to have the debate deferred to allow further public consultation from interested and expert groups. This was immediately opposed by Opposition representatives who wanted progress.
When chairman John Moloney said he wanted to hear responses from groups, Labour TD Liz McManus accused the Government parties of prevaricating for political reasons and walked out.
Senator Mary Henry (Ind) followed, stating that the decision to defer had been made already.
Dr Liam Twomey TD (FG) had already left after accusing the chairman of putting women's lives at risk. This point was strongly opposed by Mr Moloney who said he would not take that allegation.
Afterwards, the chairman said: "I'm sorry people walked out. We're accused today of dragging our feet and having no interest. It's slightly over the top to see a walkout. It is a complex issue and we should hear representative groups. I don't see it as a ruse to delay it before the coming election."
He adjourned the meeting until tomorrow morning.
Earlier, Senator Fergal Browne (FG) said of the 40 recommendations, some could be dealt with straight away, some required legislation and others constitutional amendment.
"I get the impression there was an edict from on high to fudge the issue. Has there been any instruction from the Taoiseach or the Tánaiste on the issue?" he asked.
Mr Moloney replied: "The answer is no and no. To suggest for a minute that somebody is telling us what to do is wrong."
Dr Twomey said: "The lack of supporting legislation on IVF is putting women at risk. It should be referred back and let the Government decide which recommendations should go to the Supreme Court."
Ms McManus said nothing had been done since the commission's report last year. "Instead, there's a cynical attempt to go over old ground like Groundhog Day."
Dr Henry said there had been no progress since she brought a private members Bill eight years ago. At least 1,000 children were born as a result of IVF every year.
Fianna Fáil members Senator Camillus Glynn, Senator Geraldine Feeney and Dr Jimmy Devins TD supported deferral so that other groups could be heard.
Paudge Connolly TD (Ind) said it should not be politicised.