Abortion Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2021

Tuesday, 5 October 2021

Questions (646, 684)

Michael Collins

Question:

646. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if he or his Department have issued the promised invitation to all interested groups, organisations and members of the public to provide their views to inform the review of the operation of abortion legislation; if not, when he plans to do so; the reason he prematurely met with stakeholder groups in early June 2021 to discuss the approach for the review which is being developed by his Department; if an invitation had not yet been issued at that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47890/21]

Michael Collins

Question:

684. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the oversights members of the Houses of the Oireachtas will have over the selection and monitoring of the work undertaken by the organisation or company which he has indicated will be commissioned to oversee the service user and service provider strands as part of the three year review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48176/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 646 and 684 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 of the operation of the Act is being progressed this year, in line with statutory and Government commitments.

At their request, I held online meetings with stakeholder groups in early June to discuss the approach for the review being developed by my Department. I also met with clinicians to seek their views.

As I have stated previously, an independent expert will be appointed to lead the review, which will comprise a three-part approach to appraise the operation of the Act, with strands focusing on service users, service providers and a public consultation.

An opportunity will be provided in the coming months for interested groups, organisations and members of the public to provide their views to inform the review.

Upon completion of the review, a full report with any necessary recommendations, will be submitted to me, as Minister, for consideration. I will submit my recommendations, with the report, to Government.