asked the Minister for Health the investigations he had carried out of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre before he granted them the sum of £5,000; why this grant was not payable on the recommendation of the Eastern Health Board; the purpose for which the money was given; the precautions he has taken to ensure that the money is used for such purpose; if he is fully satisfied that the £5,000 is not being used to subsidise abortion referral and propaganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
16.
The question of a grant for the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre was discussed between officials of my Department and the Eastern Health Board. Detailed information was available on the work of the centre prior to the health board being authorised to pay the grant. The grant was given to enable the centre to employ a full-time worker to co-ordinate and develop its work. The utilisation of the grant will be reviewed by the Eastern Health Board in accordance with the normal procedures relating to grants to voluntary agencies made under section 65 of the Health Act, 1953.
I have absolutely no evidence that the grant is being used for any of the purposes mentioned by the Deputy.
Deputy Browne.
May I ask the Minister——
Sorry, Deputy Browne.
If a girl has been raped and has become pregnant and goes to the rape crisis centre is it the Minister's view that the rape crisis centre should be precluded from referring her for an abortion?
That is not the question which was put down. I have answered the question in effect, in that I am absolutely certain that the £5,000 is not being used to subsidise abortion referral and abortion propaganda.
Deputy Desmond.
The Minister has not answered my question which is, if a girl has been subject to the terrifying experience of being raped and has become pregnant must she, according to the Minister's decision, be compelled to bear and rear a child for whom she could have very little love and whose life must be a continuing misery?
That is a separate question. If the Deputy will put down a question I will answer it.
Surely my supplementary question arises.
I have allowed a number of supplementaries. I am calling the next question.
(Interruptions.)
I have made it quite clear——
The Minister has not the courage to make it clear. Why does he not stand on his principles?
Will the Minister please answer Question No. 17?
I am quite happy to stand on that principle, Deputy.
What principle?
That I do not believe in abortion.
Therefore she must have the child.
(Interruptions.)