Dr. Maeve Doyle:

On the role of the GP, some parents will take a child who is pregnant to their GP and some will not, and will take other decisions. It is important to note in some of the recent reports on children in care, only a third of the children in the care of the HSE had a GP. That is being looked at now.

There would have to be some easing out for child psychiatrists in the number of doctors on the panel given there are only six child psychiatrists working in approved centres, none of whom are attached to obstetric units. All the remaining child psychiatrists are in catchment area communities.

I do not know who asked the specific question about how one would sort out the various consent issues that arise in respect of those aged under 16 years and 18 years. The Law Reform Commission produced an excellent document on this matter, the recommendations of which have not been enacted. Clearly, the matter needs to be addressed.