Micheál Martin
Question:212. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health his plans to meet any group in relation to the forthcoming legislation on abortion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2393/13]
View answerWednesday, 13 February 2013
Questions (212, 217)
Micheál Martin
Question:217. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he or his officials have been asked by any groups to meet them on the forthcoming legislation on abortion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5095/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 217 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children held three days of oral hearings on the implementation of the Government decision following the publication of the Report of the Expert Group on the Judgment in A, B & C v Ireland, from 8th to 10th of January this year. Officials from my Department attended to provide background, and the Committee heard contributions from a range of interested groups in public session, including experienced medical practitioners, legal experts, representatives of churches and religious groups, and advocacy groups. In addition, the Committee invited a wide range of stakeholders to make written submissions, and it also received 31 written submissions from groups and individuals of their own volition. On the 31st of January, the Committee furnished a report to the Government summarising the contributions received during the consultative process. This report 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. The Government has committed to engage further with the Oireachtas Committee when Heads of a Bill have been developed.
I have received a number of requests for meetings and these are currently being processed by my officials.