Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
23. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he anticipates that legislation to reform the abortion law will be passed within the lifetime of this Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26705/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, I commenced the Review of the operation Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 at the end of 2021. The Review was comprehensive and included a wide range of perspectives on termination of pregnancy services. The final Report of the Review was submitted to my Department on 28th February 2023.
The Report made a range of recommendations most of which are operational in nature, with some proposing legislative change. It was considered by Cabinet on 25th April. The Government agreed that the HSE will establish an implementation group to progress the operational recommendations, while those requiring legislative change have been referred to the Joint Committee on Health for consideration.
Given the Committee’s cross-party composition and oversight role in relation to the health service, it represents an effective and appropriate forum to consider the changes proposed. It is important now to allow the Joint Committee on Health the time and space to complete its deliberations.
