Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 813: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the reform of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency; and the position regarding this matter. [2098/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Crisis Pregnancy Agency was established in October 2001 under the Health (Corporate Bodies) Act, 1961, with a statutory remit to prepare a strategy to address the issue of crisis pregnancy, the strategy to provide, inter alia, for:

a reduction in the number of crisis pregnancies by the provision of education, advice and contraceptive services;

a reduction in the number of woman with crisis pregnancies who opt for abortion by offering services and supports which make other options more attractive;

and the provision of counselling and medical services after crisis pregnancy.

The Strategy was published in 2003 and a follow-on Strategy will be prepared in 2007.

I am satisfied that to date the Agency has successfully and appropriately carried out its functions in line with its statutory remit and that it has worked effectively to develop high-quality supports and services for women who experience a crisis pregnancy. I appointed a new Board of the Agency with effect from 1 December 2006, the first Board having completed its term of office. I look forward to the Agency, under its new Board, continuing to fulfil its remit in line with its statutory mandate.