Sir, - The Taoiseach would have us believe his strategy on abortion is inclusive and based on consensus. I don't agree. Were the views of those women who have already had abortions heard? How many of them were pregnant as a result of rape or sexual abuse within their families? What about the views of women and men who have had to face the tragic issue of severe foetal abnormality?
The only real consensus on the issue of abortion is between the Taoiseach, his party, his Government, the Progressive Democrats, the four independent TDs and a small minority of people who are also against women's rights generally.
If these proposals are accepted, the proposed Crisis Pregnancy Agency will have little to offer women other than tea and sympathy. It certainly won't be able to reduce the number of abortions. - Yours, etc.,
Noreen Byrne, Dublin 15.