David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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374. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the international evidence supporting the effectiveness, safety and acceptability of telemedicine abortion including a recent statement by an organisation (details supplied) endorsing the permanent adoption of telemedicine abortion services; his plans to retain remote consultation for early abortion care beyond the public health emergency in view of this evidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26121/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect public health and limit the spread of COVID-19, the Department of Health and the HSE worked together to put new arrangements in place to temporarily allow termination of pregnancy services in early pregnancy to be provided remotely. 

For the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, where the need for social distancing, reducing personal contacts and reducing the burden on medical practitioners are paramount, it will be possible for a woman to access a termination under section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 (i.e. before 12 weeks) from her medical practitioner by telephone or video conference consultation.  

The arrangement enabling remote consultation will be reviewed once the public health emergency is declared over. There is regular ongoing engagement between the Department of Health and the HSE to monitor service provision, facilitate the smooth-running of the service and resolve any issues that may arise.