Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
603. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will outline, in view of testimony to the Oireachtas Health Committee on 18 October 2023 (details supplied) that according to research women were actively obstructed by GPs in accessing abortion health care, the measures he will take to ensure that this practice is stopped as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46626/23]
View answerThe final Report of the Review of the operation of the Health(Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act was considered by Cabinet at the end of April 2023. The Report made a range of recommendations, most of which are operational in nature with some proposing legislative change. The HSE has established, as agreed by the Government, an implementation group to progress the operational recommendations.
Significant progress is being made in respect of recommendations in the Report. The HSE has advised that a significant number of additional sites will be introducing termination services in the coming months. Legislation providing for safe access zones has been initiated in the Houses and Committee Stage is scheduled for 25th October and the intention is that the Bill will be enacted by the end of this year.
The proposals recommending legislative changes have been referred to the Joint Committee on Health for consideration.
