Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2014
472. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the number of registered gynaecologists and registered psychiatrists here; the number of these that have indicated that they wish to be available under the terms of the Protection of Life in Pregnancy Act; the numbers that have indicated that they wish to be excluded on the grounds of conscientious objector or other grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37164/14]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Protection During Pregnancy Act was enacted in July 2013 and commenced in January 2014. This is the law that now regulates access to lawful termination of pregnancy in Ireland and, as such, it is expected that all medical professionals will comply with it.
The registration of medical professional is a matter for the Medical Council. I have been advised that in the Specialist Division of the Register of Medical Practitioners there are 257 doctors in the speciality of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and 704 doctors in the specialty of Psychiatry. There is no requirement for medical professionals to issue notifications to me or my officials of the kind the Deputy has referred to.
In the case of conscientious objection, medical professionals can refer to Section 17 of the Act. Section 17 provides that medical practitioners, nurses and midwives will not be obliged to carry out, or to assist in carrying out medical procedures under the Act if they have a conscientious objection. A doctor who has a conscientious objection shall arrange for the transfer of care of the pregnant woman concerned as may be necessary to enable the woman to avail of the medical procedure concerned.
