Vol. 505 No. 5
43 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children when the promised Green Paper on abortion will be published in view of his earlier statements that it was hoped it would be published in summer 1998; the number of Irish women who secured terminations in the United Kingdom during 1998; the corresponding figures for 1997; the steps, if any, he will take to reduce the numbers travelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13969/99]
In December 1997 the Government established a cabinet committee to oversee the work of an interdepartmental working group whose task it would be to prepare a Green Paper on abortion. Work on drafting the Green Paper is proceeding. The process involves consideration of the constitutional, legal, medical, moral, ethical and social issues which arise regarding abortion. When the drafting has been completed I intend to convene another meeting of the cabinet committee, when it will commence consideration of the draft. Publication of the Green Paper must await a final decision of the Government in due course. I acknowledge that the process is taking longer than expected but I would point out that any dates given by me are at all times indicative, pending final approval by Government. It is the Government's intention to refer the Green Paper, when completed, to the All-Party Committee on the Constitution for consideration.
