Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he has received many representations in relation to the proposed legislation for abortion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2299/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may realise, I have received a substantial number of representations on this issue since last December when the Government approved the implementation of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the A, B and C v Ireland case by way of legislation with regulations, within the parameters of Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court in the X case.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he has been asked to meet any of the Churches in relation to the forthcoming legislation on abortion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2392/13]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if the forthcoming legislation and regulation on abortion in Ireland was discussed at his recent meeting with the Catholic Church Bishop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5094/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 215 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I met with the Catholic Church Bishops as part of the delegation involved in the Church-State dialogue meeting led by An Taoiseach on 18th January. I can confirm that the issue of abortion and the Government's intention to implement the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the A, B and C v Ireland case by way of legislation with regulations, within the parameters of Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court in the X case were discussed in broad terms. In addition, the Deputy will be aware that three days of oral hearings on the subject were held from 8th to 10th of January this year by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children. The Committee heard contributions from a range of interested groups in public session, including representatives of churches and religious groups. On the 31st of January, the Committee furnished a report to the Government summarising the contributions received during the consultative process and this is being used by my officials in examining the issues involved and in formulating a legislative response that will stand up to public and parliamentary scrutiny. I have received no further requests to meet with any other churches.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health his plans to meet any group in relation to the forthcoming legislation on abortion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2393/13]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he or his officials have been asked by any groups to meet them on the forthcoming legislation on abortion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5095/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 217 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children held three days of oral hearings on the implementation of the Government decision following the publication of the Report of the Expert Group on the Judgment in A, B & C v Ireland, from 8th to 10th of January this year. Officials from my Department attended to provide background, and the Committee heard contributions from a range of interested groups in public session, including experienced medical practitioners, legal experts, representatives of churches and religious groups, and advocacy groups. In addition, the Committee invited a wide range of stakeholders to make written submissions, and it also received 31 written submissions from groups and individuals of their own volition. On the 31st of January, the Committee furnished a report to the Government summarising the contributions received during the consultative process. This report is being used by my officials in examining the issues involved and in formulating a legislative response that will stand up to public and parliamentary scrutiny. The Government has committed to engage further with the Oireachtas Committee when Heads of a Bill have been developed.

I have received a number of requests for meetings and these are currently being processed by my officials.