Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have addressed the issues of FEMPI cuts and investment in general practice by outlining the process we intend to undertake and on which there will be further engagement with the IMO tomorrow.

I will save my comments on how the service will operate in terms of the three-day period for Committee Stage of the Bill, when there will be an opportunity to engage on such issues. My basic premise is to do what I stated I would do during the referendum. We asked the Irish to vote "Yes" and we published a draft general scheme which was debated the length and breadth of the country. Regardless of my personal views, I have a responsibility and a duty to move ahead with legislation that is very closely aligned from a policy perspective to what we stated during the referendum campaign we would do.

On GP numbers, the Deputy and I are largely on the same page on the issue of termination. Those on the other side of the debate often raise concerns that not enough GPs will be willing to provide this service or they will be overwhelmed by the number of women seeking to avail of terminations or awful phrases such as that. The evidence does not supports such views. Many doctors put their names forward during the referendum campaign as being willing to provide such services. The Irish College of General Practitioners indicated its views in that regard to the joint committee and I am confident that we can make progress on the matter.

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