With regard to the ongoing safety of termination of pregnancy services at the National Maternity Hospital, my Department sought, and received, assurances from the Hospital that the termination of pregnancy legislation is being correctly implemented by the Hospital and that appropriate policies, practices and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with that legislation. I met recently with the Master and these assurances were offered to me in person.
As the clinic in question is a private one, it falls outside the remit of the HSE and my Department. The Deputy may however wish to note that a Patient Safety Licensing Bill, which underwent pre-legislative scrutiny in 2018, will introduce a licensing requirement for all public and private hospitals, as well as clinics and facilities engaged in certain designated high-risk activities.