asked the Minister for Health the progress which has been made by the health boards in implementing family planing programmes under the Health (Family Planning) (Amendment) Act, 1985; if he is satisfied with the progress made so far; the measures, if any, he intends to take if health boards decline to develop programmes in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Family Planning Services.
20.
All but one of the health boards have submitted plans to my Department for the development of family planning services in their respective areas. The plan proposed by the board outstanding is expected very shortly. I am satisfied with this progress bearing in mind that each board, before drawing up their plan, had to prepare in the first instance a detailed profile of the family planning services already available in their region.
The main points emerging from the boards' proposals are (i) that in the light of the amendment to the Health (Family Planing) Act, 1979, family planning services are considered to be readily available in most places and (ii) that it is regarded as a priority that the training of general practitioners in family planning methods be developed so that expert advice is readily available. Furthermore, some boards propose to establish on a pilot basis a limited number of family planning clinics at health centres-institutions in their areas.
The plans which have been submitted by the health boards will be the subject of discussion between the boards and my Department. I am hopeful that the plans will form the basis for a significant improvement in the level of family planning services available. It would be premature for me to discuss hypothetical action on my part in response to a situation which has not developed.