David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am very interested in getting some information from the Minister. I will make one short contribution and will listen respectfully to his reply. The amendment refers to such medical procedure being in accordance with current medical practice in Ireland and so forth, but there are people who have to go abroad. What reply can the Minister give to something sent to me by a constituent? It refers to a newspaper story about a situation in England. The article included the revelations of leading cancer surgeon, Professor Meirion Thomas, who bravely blew the whistle on the massive and escalating problem of thousands flying to Britain for free treatment, including expectant mothers and sufferers of cancer, HIV, liver failure and kidney failure.

The UK Government is about to introduce new laws to the effect that one must be resident in the UK for 12 months or, where one is a foreign student or seasonal worker, for six months and pay a charge of £200 per year to avail of health services. I am unsure where this leaves Irish females seeking abortions. Does the Minster have information on this matter or could he get some and communicate it to me privately? This matter relates to the amendment in some way and was raised by someone who was concerned. Will the new legislation, which has been introduced to inhibit the number of Irish people seeking free treatment of various kinds in England, presumably including abortion, have an effect on those who go there due to fatal foetal abnormalities?