Nuala Fennell
Ceist:1 Mrs. Fennell asked the Taoiseach if he will seek the views of the Second Commission on the Status of Women on legislation to reform the family planning legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Family Planning Legislation.
When the Government established the Second Commission on the Status of Women, we gave them comprehensive terms of reference to ensure that the commission could respond to all issues of concern to women and their role in society. It would not be appropriate for the Government to circumscribe the commission's independence by asking them to focus on a specific issue.
Does the Taoiseach accept that the proposed reform of family planning legislation requires a great deal more than just changing the age minimum of persons to whom condoms can legally be sold? Would he accept that legislation in this area affects to a large extent the health and well being of women? Would he not accept that it seems a little ridiculous to have a Commission for the Status of Women, to which 600 submissions have been made, when the Government then ignore whatever recommendations are made to that commission? Does this mean that in 18 months' time when the commission report we will be coming in——
Let us have brief questions please.
This is all related to my question, a Cheann Comhairle.
Brevity, please.
Does that mean we will be coming back here most likely in 18 months' time looking at a further reform of family planning legislation?
It is quite extraordinary that the Deputy should try to denigrate the commission in this way.
I am not denigrating the commission.
The Deputy is denigrating them.
I am denigrating the Taoiseach for not——
The commission have terms of reference which enable them to carry out a complete, comprehensive review of the status of women and to discuss and examine any matters of interest to them. It would be wrong and inappropriate for the Government to specifically direct them to look at any particular issue. The Deputy said something in her reply about the Government ignoring the recommendations of the commission. That is completely misleading.
I said they were ignoring the submissions.
The Deputy said the Government would ignore the recommendations of the commission. I heard it.
The 600 submissions made.
The Government have no intention of ignoring the recommendations of the commission. The Government, without any difficulty, immediately accepted the first seven recommendations made by the commission. Therefore, I do not understand what this question means.
May I ask the Taoiseach if that means the legislation will be coming in without reference to the commission?
The Government have already decided on legislation. It is quite open to the commission to take any action they wish about this or any other legislation.