Abortion Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Ceisteanna (3338, 3339)

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

3338. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if undocumented persons or those without a PPS number can access abortion services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41378/21]

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

3339. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if persons from Northern Ireland are able to access abortion services without a PPS number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41379/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3338 and 3339 together.

Sections 26 to 28 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 provide universal access to termination of pregnancy services for people who are ordinarily resident in the State (i.e., services are provided free of charge).

Women – from both within and outside the State - may also access the service on a private (i.e., fee-paying) basis, should they so choose.

The Annual Report on Notifications, published under section 20 (3) of the Act, provides information on the county or place of residence of the woman accessing termination of pregnancy. In 2020, the data showed that Northern Ireland was the place of residence notified in 36 cases, while 8 notifications recorded the place of residence as another location outside of Ireland.

Question No. 3339 answered with Question No. 3338.