Reilly criticises language used in debate

Health Minister James Reilly has criticised language used by pro-life senators who are opposing the passing of the Government’s abortion bill.

Dr Reilly said descriptions for terminations used by Fianna Fáil senator Jim Walsh last week had been “dramatic”, “offensive”, and “upsetting” for some people.

Fianna Fáil’s Seanad spokesman on health Marc MacSharry defended his colleague’s speech, saying there should be no “sanitising” of language in parliamentary debate.