Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
337. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health for an update on the implementation of the termination of pregnancy review with respect to recommendations concerning legislative amendments, including the criminalisation of health care providers, the mandatory three-day wait, and the ambiguity for clinicians interpreting section 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18634/24]
View answerThe final Report of the Independent Review of the Operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 made a range of recommendations, most of which are operational in nature, with some proposing legislative change.
The Report was considered by Cabinet in 2023. Following the meeting the Government agreed that the HSE would establish an implementation group to progress the operational recommendations, while the proposals recommending legislative changes were referred to the Joint Committee on Health for consideration.
The Joint Committee on Health submitted a report on the proposed legislative recommendations in December 2023, which was considered by me and my Department. I have now asked for further consideration of this issue at the Cabinet Committee on Health.
The HSE established the national Termination of Pregnancy Service Improvement Group to oversee the implementation of the operational recommendations from the O’Shea Report.
An action plan for the implementation of the recommendations has been developed.
This action plan comprises 10 workstreams which are in various stages of implementation. There have been 12 meetings related to these workstreams since December 2023.
338. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health for a response to the calls from healthcare providers to address the gaps in training and data collection by recruiting a Primary Care Lead for Termination of Pregnancy, in light of the fact more than 90% of abortions take place within primary care settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18635/24]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply.
