Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think that word is also correct. The question that faces this Oireachtas is how to shut these facilities down. I know the Joint Committee on Health has considered Deputy Howlin's Bill. Deputy Howlin has done some very important work on this. I suggest that the most appropriate way is for us to regulate counsellors and psychotherapists and we to make it very clear that if women want to ensure they get accurate advice, they should go to counsellors and psychotherapists who are licensed and registered. That work is already under way. We have had public consultation. We received 84 submissions and I expect to be receiving the recommendations from my Department in the next couple of weeks in relation to that matter.

The Deputy asked what stage the Bill is at. It is a priority for drafting this session.

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