As the Deputy is aware, the women who have agreed to participate in the Ex Gratia Scheme will be granted access to a range of public health services once the necessary legislation is in place. The Deputy will also be aware that the Government agreed that I would bring forward in one Bill, in consultation with and on behalf of the relevant Departments, any necessary legislative measures to implement the scheme.
The Deputy will appreciate that the provision of medical services will be done through the Department of Health and the details of exactly what services will be provided have to be fully determined by them. In that context my officials are working with officials in the Department of Health on finalising the drafting of the necessary legislative provisions as quickly as possible. The provisions will be then brought to Government by me and published.
Question No. 535 answered with Question No. 497.