Departmental Management Structures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Questions (598)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

598. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 13 of 2 June 2016, if policy issues in respect of abortion are still subsumed into the tobacco and alcohol control unit of his Department; if so, the reason it has not been changed; if a new unit will be established within his Department to oversee abortion and other related matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24357/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy is aware, overall responsibility for abortion policy lies under the remit of the Chief Medical Officer. Within the division of the Chief Medical Officer, the issue of abortion is dealt with by the Bioethics Unit, which has responsibility for, inter alia, abortion policy and legislation and related matters.