Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 2

Written Answers. - Offshore Abortion Clinic.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

209 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Health and Children the role, if any, he has in regulating activities (details supplied) where such activities occur off our coast in international waters; the powers available to him to prevent or regulate such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18270/00]

Seamus Kirk

Question:

210 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a proposal (details supplied) to establish an abortion clinic off our coast; the steps he will take with his EU colleagues to ensure that our laws are not flouted in such a manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18272/00]

Seamus Kirk

Question:

246 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a proposal (details supplied) to establish an abortion clinic off our coast; the mechanisms, if any, available to his Department to prevent or regulate this activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18271/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209, 210 and 246 together.

I am aware of highly speculative media reports of this suggestion, which imply that the proposal concerned is aimed principally at non-European countries. I have not been approached directly by those making the proposal and am I not aware of any specific proposal in relation to Ireland. In the unlikely event of a person or agency intending to establish an abortion clinic in international waters and targeting Irish women, it would become necessary to consider in detail the possible constitutional and legal implications.