Dr. Siobh?n N? Bhriain:

On the issue of whether this is the provision of healthcare, we have done a little bit of research and background reading on this. The position around the world differs. As the Deputy knows, in Switzerland it is not regarded as part of the provision of healthcare. Whether this will form part of healthcare will be a matter to be addressed in the legislation rather than for the HSE to decide. As we have indicated, we are certainly very happy to come back and discuss that further when we get to the pre-legislative stage of this matter.

On the issue of the numbers of people objecting to providing termination of pregnancy services, I do not have the figure to hand but I can certainly get it and provide it to the Deputy.