Ms Janice Donlon:

I reiterate what we have presented to the committee on the non-directive, non-judgmental counselling provided with the funding provided through the HSE. It is good practice to provide that counselling for an individual. If I am right, the abortion information Act also states that if information on abortion services abroad is to be provided, it must be provided in a counselling session in which all options are explored. All options, including parenting and adoption, must be explored before the option of having an abortion is discussed. If requested by the client, it is discussed and under the legislation information can be provided.

Non-directive counselling goes back to the good counselling practice. It is a matter of neither directing nor guiding an individual towards a certain pathway but rather making it the decision of that individual as to which pathway they may take.