Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
1348 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the membership of the expert group set up to address the outcome of last year’s European Court of Human Rights ruling on abortion rights here; when he expects to get its final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18907/12]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Expert Group on the A, B and C v Ireland judgment of the European Court of Human Rights was established on the 13th January this year and details of its membership were announced the same day. The Expert Group is composed of fourteen members and is made up of experts in the fields of obstetrics, psychiatry, general practice, law, professional regulation and public policy. It is chaired by a judge of the Irish High Court, the Honourable Mr Justice Sean Ryan.
The Group is to examine the A , B and C v Ireland judgment of the European Court of Human Rights. It will elucidate its implications for the provision of health care services to pregnant women in Ireland. It is tasked with recommending to Government a series of options on how to implement the judgment taking into account the constitutional, legal, medical, and ethical considerations involved in the formulation of public policy in this area and the over-riding need for speedy action.
The Expert Group is due to report back to the Government within six months of its establishment by means of a written report. Full details on the membership of the Group is illustrated in the table below:
|
No |
Expertise |
Organisation |
|
1 |
Chair |
Hon. Justice Mr. Sean Ryan |
|
2 |
Obstetrics |
Dr. Peter Boylan, Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist |
|
3 |
Dr. Mary Holohan, Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist |
|
|
4 |
Psychiatry |
Dr. Imelda Ryan, Consultant Psychiatrist |
|
5 |
General Practice |
Dr. Ailish Ni Riain, General Practitioner |
|
6 |
Dr. Mark Walsh, General Practitioner |
|
|
7 |
Law |
Ms Christine O’Rourke, Office of the Attorney General |
|
8 |
Ms Mary O Toole, Senior Counsel |
|
|
9 |
Ms Joanelle O’Cleirigh, Solicitor |
|
|
10 |
Ms Denise Kirwin, Solicitor |
|
|
11 |
Policy |
Mr. Bernard Carey, Assistant Secretary, Department of Health |
|
12 |
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health |
|
|
13 |
Professional Standards — Doctors |
Dr. Deirdre Madden, Medical Council |
|
14 |
Professional Standards — Midwives |
Dr Maura Pidgeon, An Bord Altranais |
