Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As already stated, terminations of pregnancy carried out in maternity hospitals or units can be either medical or surgical. The type of termination carried out is a matter for the relevant medical practitioner and the woman concerned. It is clear from this that they can be either. This comes down to the decision of the medical practitioner.

I am not sure to what the Senator is referring in the context of pathways. Perhaps I can get the Minister to revert to her on the exact pathways that are being taken. From reading the script I was given, it is clear that there is a pathway through the GPs to the effect that, up to nine weeks, it can happen in the community. Thereafter, however, it is essential that women have their procedures in a hospital environment. That is what is happening. However, if the Senator persists, I will seek a reply from the Minister for her on the pathways and on the concerns raised by some of the GPs she mentioned.