Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will not take seven minutes as we discussed this issue a good deal on Committee Stage. I know that we are all motivated by the same idea of ensuring we will have adequate data in order that the legislation can work appropriately.

Deputy Clare Daly asked why we would we take what was already in the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act and replicate it in this legislation. I have considered the matter carefully. Given that this is a new service, that there is such significant public interest in it and that we are seeing the Irish College of General Practitioners emergency general meeting and the like, it is prudent to leave those requirements in the legislation. However, being honest, I envisage that when we get to the point where we will review the legislation in three years' time, some of the detail will no longer be required. I do not think we should have forever and a day reports being made to the Minister for Health of the day on individual matters.

In Britain those responsible collect data related to county. I used this information a good deal during the referendum campaign. We were able to quote how many women from each county in Ireland had travelled to the United Kingdom to access a termination. Having such information will enable me and my successors as Minister to ensure there is geographic equity. Moreover, if there is not, I will be able to direct the HSE to ensure that if there are parts of the country in which there is a particular problem in accessing the service, that it is provided there. It is absolutely the intention of the HSE to publish such data on an annual basis. I have already given that commitment in the House and will lay the relevant report before the House. In addition, the HSE will be answerable to the committees of the Houses.

I am satisfied that the minimal amount of data necessary will be collected to fulfil the function and ensure data protection obligations are met. The HSE collects statistical data that can be published and will be publicly available in the way similar reports are published on all other aspects of the health system.

I do not believe it is necessary for a provision to be included in the Bill in order for this to be done. It is appropriate that we keep the current provisions for the beginning of this service. We are committing to reviewing the legislation in three years, and I would be very happy for the issue to be reviewed then. It is important, at the early stages, that we have that information so that we can very closely monitor it as policymakers. Ultimately, as Minister for Health I am responsible for policy in this area, so being directly involved is appropriate on this occasion.

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