asked the Minister for Justice if he has any proposals to introduce family planning legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Family Planning Legislation.
1.
I have no such proposals under consideration.
Is the Minister prepared to allow the present ludicrous position to continue whereby the law is being flouted? Is he prepared to condone this situation or to say what should be done to regularise it?
The House had an opportunity some time ago to regularise the situation but they rejected a Bill which I thought would have had this effect.
Would the Minister not agree that some other steps should be taken? Has he had consultations with his colleague, the Minister for Health, as to what restrictions are being applied to the importation of contraceptives?
The position is that following the Supreme Court decision in the McGee case there is no restriction on the importation of contraceptives.
Is the Minister aware that a delaying tactic is being employed, not necessarily by his Department, but by another Department, in allowing in contraceptives when they are being acquired for the family planning clinics?
That is not a matter which concerns me but which, presumably, would concern the Revenue Commissioners.
Can the Minister say if the family planning clinics are flouting the law?
I have no information to that effect but I am sure that if they were guilty of this offence, the police would take appropriate action.
Has the Minister received any complaints in respect of the clinics?
No.