Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Health the reason he set up the expert group tasked with making recommendations on implementing a European Court of Human Rights ruling on abortion; the criteria used to decide it's members; the person who appointed the members of this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33759/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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On foot of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the A, B and C v Ireland case, and to fulfil a commitment included in the Programme for Government, on 13th January the Government established an Expert Group, drawing on appropriate medical and legal expertise, with a view to making recommendations on how this matter should be properly addressed.

The membership of the Expert Group was chosen and appointed by the Minister, in consultation with the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste, and agreed by Government. In terms of its composition, it was agreed that, in order to fulfil its remit, the Group would require experts representing the fields of obstetrics, general practice, psychiatry, law, public policy and professional regulation. The Group therefore consists of members who have been selected on the basis of their medical, legal, and policy expertise. The Chair of the Group, the Honourable Justice Mr Sean Ryan, is a High Court Judge.

The Expert Group will recommend a series of options on how to implement the judgment taking into account the constitutional, legal, medical, and ethical considerations involved in the formulation of public policy in this area and the over-riding need for expeditious action.