I propose to take Questions Nos. 562, 612 and 630 together.
The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was signed into law on 20 December 2018 and commenced on 1 January 2019. Under the section 7 of Act, a review of the operation of the Act must be initiated within three years of the commencement of the Act, i.e., before January 2022.
The review of the operation of the Act is being progressed this year, in line with statutory and Government commitments, and will conclude in 2022.
The Minister has previously stated that an independent Chair 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. Independent research commissioned to inform the service user and service provider strands will form key elements of the review. An opportunity will be provided 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 the Minister for consideration
