Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I hope the Bill comes back before the House as soon as possible. We are in discussions with the Royal College of Physicians. I understand the HSE is in contact with the IMO, but I will update the Deputy as soon as I have additional information. Subject to the ongoing consultation, I would hope to deal with Committee Stage as soon as possible.

I have met almost everybody who has requested a meeting. I have had ongoing meetings with TENI and, as soon as I have finished discussions with the Royal College of Physicians, I intend to consult it again. I have also met parents. It is an extremely sensitive issue and everybody in this House is trying to do their best to do the right thing as much as possible. We may not always agree on this, but we have a responsibility to make sure that we do our utmost to protect children.

The Deputy has seen my efforts in this House to go as far as I can. The Dáil and Seanad have been extremely open in regard to the Bill. There is an onus and responsibility on us to get legislation on the Statute Book this year and then carry out the review in a very consultative and informative way.

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