Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
2599. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the terms of reference of the review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; the membership of the review group; when it is anticipated that the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38305/21]
View answer2650. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the details of the review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, which is due to take place not later than three years after its commencement under section 7 of the Act; the format this review will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38649/21]
View answer2933. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of the review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; if an independent expert has been appointed; if any of the strands have begun; if not, when each of the strands will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39662/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2599, 2650 and 2933 together.
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. At this stage I anticipate that the review 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.
