Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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204. To ask the Minister for Health if he will clarify a matter (details supplied) regarding abortion laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26749/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 sets out the law governing access to termination of pregnancy in Ireland; section 11 of the Act permits a termination of pregnancy to be carried out in cases where there is a condition present affecting the foetus that is likely to lead to the death of the foetus before or within 28 days of birth.

However, the purpose of the legislation is not to dictate the practice of obstetrics. Indeed, it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister for Health, to dictate medical procedures or treatment plans; such decisions are a matter for the treating clinicians in any given case.

The Deputy can however be assured that medical practitioners are bound through professional regulatory mechanisms to operate in accordance with best medical practice.