Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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282. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act; if he has been notified of terminations taking place under this Act; the discussions and number of meetings between his Department, the Health Service Executive and the medical professional bodies concerned regarding guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7418/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy might be aware, the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 commenced on 1st January 2014. The Act provides that I, as the Minister for Health, must publish a report covering the operation of the Act in the preceding year by 30th June each year and lay it before the Houses of the Oireachtas. As the Act was commenced on 1st January 2014, the first annual report covering its operation will be published in June 2015.

Last September a committee was established to develop a Guidance Document to assist health professionals in the implementation of the Act. This is a multi-disciplinary committee of experts in medicine, nursing and midwifery, and law, including representatives from my Department, the Health Service Executive and the relevant medical professional bodies (the full membership is detailed in the table). The Committee has now met six times.

The Guidance Document is at an advanced stage and it is expected to be signed off shortly. The Document will include identifying referral pathways to fulfil the requirement of the Act and other relevant operational matters.

Membership