A NUMBER OF experts from a variety of fields – both medical and legal – will attend public hearings at Leinster House next week.
The Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children is planning three days of meetings about the implementation of the Government’s decision following the publication of the Expert Group report into the landmark ABC versus Ireland judgement.
The Committee says the aim of the meetings is to “gather information which will be of assistance” in drafting relevant legislation. It intends to furnish a report to Government on the three-day consultation by the end of the month.
Among the contributors are the masters of the country’s maternity hospitals, as well as pro-choice movements and anti-abortion organisations.
All hearings will be in public session and streamed live on the Oireachtas website.
“The Government has decided that it will proceed to address the issues raised in the ABC judgement with legislation and regulations,” said chairman Jerry Buttimer.
“Our meetings next week will provide an opportunity for Committee members to listen and engage with a wide range of groups, including medical and legal experts, as well as advocacy groups and churches.”
The Fine Gael TD insisted that the hearings will be conducted in a balance, fair and calm manner.
“While we recognise that many people have divergent and deep-held views on the issues involved, we expect that the meetings will be held in a manner that is respectful and tolerant,” he added.
-All hearings to take place in the Seanad Chamber
Tuesday, 8 January
Session 1: 9.30am – 11.30am:
Session 2: 11.45am – 1.45pm
Session 3: 2.45pm to 4.45pm
Session 4: 5pm to 7pm
Wednesday, 9 January (legal hearings)
Session 1: 9.30am – 11.30am
Session 2: 11.45am – 1.45pm
Session 3: 2.45pm – 4.15pm
Thursday, 10 January
Session 1: 9.30am – 11.30am
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say