Departmental Reviews

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021

Tuesday, 29 June 2021

Questions (500)

Bríd Smith

Question:

500. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in 2018 in relation to the review of the abortion legislation, his predecessor promised a comprehensive evaluation of the law, data and operations (details supplied); the reason the review being carried out appears to be an internal, Departmental coordinated review with no oversight from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health or an independent chair; the reason for the departure departed from the original commitment; if he will commit to the original plan for an external and independent review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27140/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was signed into law on 20 December 2018 and commenced on 1 January 2019. Section 7 of the Act states that “The Minister shall, not later than 3 years after the commencement of this section, carry out a review of the operation of this Act."

The review is being progressed this year and will be led by an independent expert. It is anticipated that it will take a three-part approach to reviewing the operation of the Act, with strands focusing on service users, service providers and a public consultation. Research to inform the service user and service provider strands will be commissioned and carried out independently, and a public consultation will be held.

Upon completion, a full report, with any necessary recommendations, will be submitted to me, as Minister, for consideration.

I have held a number of meetings with stakeholder groups to discuss the approach for the review; this will be finalised in due course.