Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I repeat that the matter of bankers' pay is under review by the Government with a view to action being taken. This process was begun by the Department of Finance. It has been added to by the Mercer group. I have no reason to believe that it cannot be produced before the budget and I do not see why not. It is a matter of intense interest for the public at large.

I informed Deputy Martin that the report on the A, B and C v. Ireland case has been finished and delivered to the Department of Health. The Minister for Health has a duty to read and reflect on it and he has a duty and responsibility to bring it to Government. The Government will make its decision on the basis of what the report sets out. Deputy Adams is aware that the terms of reference for that report were to examine the A, B and C v. Ireland judgment of the European Court of Human Rights, to elucidate its implications for the provision of health care services to pregnant women in Ireland and to recommend a series of options on how to implement the judgment, taking into account the constitutional, legal, medical and ethical considerations involved in the formulation of public policy in this area and the over-riding need for speedy action. Deputy Adams will be aware that the group was made up of experts in the fields of obstetrics, psychiatry, general practice, law, professional regulation and public policy and was chaired by the honourable Mr. Justice Seán Ryan of the High Court. The group met on nine occasions and clearly the Government has a requirement to send a response on progress to the Council of Europe by 30 November. From that point of view the Minister must read the report, reflect on it and bring it to Government, and then the Government will make its decision when it considers it.

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