hmm, yes, well, conceptions of liberty--according to European intellectual history-- is rather fraught with exceptions, cautionary tales, and misapprehension of the exclusive "rights" and superseding "interests of" a state, typically expressed as the "consent of the governed" opposed to, ahem, abject tyranny.

I can't speak to any political culture, or folkways common to the peoples inhabiting Ireland, but you have offered much insight to historical struggles to differentiate authorities of church and state--most conspicuously proved pertinent by constitutional amendment re: abortion.

So, my immediate appreciation for your observations is that (i) indeed, the balance of private and public "goods" models ethical rather than reactionary discourse; and (ii) I do hope, publication of this letter stimulates your readers to examine their expectations and the very real limitations of modern medical arts--alone or in concert with bureaucratic police apparatus--in eliminating moral hazards every minute, every hour, every day.