Ivor Callely
Question:50 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if his Department has received submissions for the holding of referenda; if so, if he will give details of such submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1700/95]
Written Answers. - Abortion Information Referendum.
Seamus Kirk
Question:57 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Health if he is making the necessary arrangements to hold a referendum on the abortion issue in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1710/95]
Limerick East): While my Department has received submissions in relation to the holding of a referendum on Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution, the question of a referendum on this matter is outside my area of responsibility. The Government's position on the abortion issue is set out as follows in its policy agreement:
In conformity with the people's decision in the referendum in November 1992, the Government will bring in legislation on abortion information as soon as possible. In tandem with the enactment of this legislation, the Government will put in place research, education and counselling with the objective of minimising the circumstances in which such high numbers of women seek to have abortions. The Government will continue work on the complex ethical, legal and medical problems of the substantive issues raised by the "X" case.