Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 8 December 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health

Review of Scope and Structure of Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act: Engagement with Minister for Health

Photo of Bríd SmithBríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

That was not really an answer to my question. If we identify barriers to free and equal access, can we get amendments to the legislation? The intent of the legislation and of many clauses in the Act was to provide equal access in the case of fatal foetal abnormality and serious risk to health. I am using them as examples. It is not clear whether the purpose of this review is to say that we are not delivering services here and there, and that they could be delivered better, or if there are barriers which we need to address. If that requires legislative changes, are we prepared to do that? That is a question that both providers and users of the service will be asking themselves and us. I want an answer on the question of the criteria. When will the criteria for the appointment of the chair be published? I have been asked this in messages. Has there ever been an e-tender for a chairperson of anything to do with the Oireachtas? Unless somebody with more experience here can enlighten me, I do not believe the appointment of a chair has ever been tendered out in the case of any investigation or tribunal, such as for mother and baby homes or climate action. This is extraordinary and we need more explanations.

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