Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Implementing the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 and ensuring safe access to services under the Act remains a priority for the Department of Health. It is important that we remain aware that the majority of people in this country voted in 2018 to change our laws to allow greater access to termination of pregnancy services for those who need them. I take on board what the Senator said, but all indications are that these service are operating and available and are being delivered in hospitals and in community settings.

The HSE has advised that feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders, including the Irish College of General Practitioners is that the service has bedded down well. The Minister, Deputy Donnelly, has asked me to assure the Senator and the House that the Department is continuing to closely monitor service provision. There is regular ongoing engagement between the Department and the HSE to facilitate the smooth running of termination of pregnancy services and to resolve any issues that may arise.