Opening Statement to the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children

It is in this context that Government has referred the Heads of Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children for consideration and scrutiny. This approach of referring Heads of Bills to Committees, which was a commitment in the Programme for Government, has been a significant change in the legislative process. It has allowed a more meaningful input and contribution to the drafting of legislation. This Committee has held similar hearings on other legislative proposals which contributed constructively and positively to the subsequent Bills. I hope that the coming three days of hearings will also prove to be a constructive and positive contribution to the ultimate drafting of the proposed Bill.

Over three days in January this committee held a series of hearings, also here in the Seanad Chamber, on the Government’s decision on the Report of the Expert Group on the ABC v Ireland Decision. Those hearings were conducted in a professional and respectful manner which greatly contributed to the Committees work in gathering information and views from the many witnesses who voluntarily gave of their time to help us in our work. I know I speak for all members of the Committee if I say that we hope that the same approach will be taken by all contributors so that these three days of hearings will also prove to be a helpful and positive contribution to the subsequent work of the Government, the Minister and the Department of Health.

Just as we had in January, during these hearings the Committee will hear from many expert witnesses, who are, again, giving freely of their time to assist us in our duties.

In this sensitive issue there are some very diverse views. However it is incumbent upon us all to be respectful of all views, even those with which we might not necessarily agree, and to accept that those views are sincerely held for the best of motives. If this can be kept in mind during our many hours of discussions we will again show that through dialogue and calm debate it is possible to give professional consideration to even the most sensitive of issues.

Today we will have contributions from the Minister for Health, the chief medical officer, the Department of Health in our first session. In later two sessions we will hear from leading obstetricians who work in hospitals all across our country, to hear their views on the Heads of Bill being considered.

Next week, over the final two days of hearings, we will hear from other medical practitioners and representatives as well as legal academics and professional.