Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 February 2013
211. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he has been asked to meet any of the Churches in relation to the forthcoming legislation on abortion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2392/13]
View answer215. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if the forthcoming legislation and regulation on abortion in Ireland was discussed at his recent meeting with the Catholic Church bishops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5094/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 215 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, I met with the Catholic Church Bishops as part of the delegation involved in the Church-State dialogue meeting led by An Taoiseach on 18th January. I can confirm that the issue of abortion and the Government's intention to implement the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the A, B and C v Ireland case by way of legislation with regulations, within the parameters of Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court in the X case were discussed in broad terms. In addition, the Deputy will be aware that three days of oral hearings on the subject were held from 8th to 10th of January this year by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children. The Committee heard contributions from a range of interested groups in public session, including representatives of churches and religious groups. On the 31st of January, the Committee furnished a report to the Government summarising the contributions received during the consultative process and this is being used by my officials in examining the issues involved and in formulating a legislative response that will stand up to public and parliamentary scrutiny. I have received no further requests to meet with any other churches.
