asked the Minister for Health if the review of the operation of existing family planning legislation, which was promised in the Fine Gael-Labour joint programme for Government has yet been completed; the organisations that were consulted; and when legislative proposals will be laid before the House.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Family Planning Legislation.
14.
The review, which was undertaken within my Department, has been completed. This review into the operation of the Health (Family Planning) Act, 1979, did not involve consultation with outside bodies generally although I had regard to views submitted to me by some individuals and organisations.
I cannot at present give a date for the introduction of specific legislative proposals but I do hope to introduce them without undue delay.
Can the Minister inform us whether the review he has completed has had the sanction of the Cabinet and that all we are now awaiting is the Bill to be introduced? Furthermore can he indicate if the Bill, when introduced, will ensure that there is an adequate family planning service throughout the country and that it will be mandatory on health boards to provide such a service?
The review has been completed and has been presented to Government. It is still under consideration by the Government. I hope to introduce specific measures.
How long more does the Minister expect the Cabinet to take to consider these proposals? Surely changes in the family planning law are fairly obviously necessary now and are urgently required? Can the Minister tell us whether they will be introduced this side of the Easter recess?
I would say before the Summer recess.