17/01/2012

Expert Abortion Group Established

A Fine Gael TD has welcomed the establishment of an expert group to look at the issues raised by a European Court ruling on abortion.

The group has been set up by the Government, and is due to report back within six months on the issue.

Mr Justice Seán Ryan of the High Court is to chair the group which will look at issues raised by a recent European Court ruling on abortion which ruled Ireland had failed to implement existing rights to a lawful abortion where a mother’s life is at risk.

“This is an issue that goes right to the very heart of the Irish psyche," said Regina Doherty of Fine Gael. "It is a complex area, both morally and legally, and must be treated with respect and sensitivity. We cannot ignore the European Court ruling, and I am glad that the group has now been set up to look at the issue in a comprehensive manner."

Ms Doherty said the expert group, established by the Minister for Health, James Reilly, consisted of a range of health and legal professionals who will make recommendations to the Government on how this issue should be handled.

“The Government is also committed to legislate to regulate stem cell research and to clarify the law surrounding assisted human reproduction (AHR). The Department of Health is currently developing policy proposals to regulate these areas. The work involved in developing these proposals will examine and consider – among other things – the issues arising from the frozen embryos Supreme Court judgment," she added.

(DW)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

15 November 2012
'Legal Clarity' Called For On Abortion Issue
It is time to bring legal clarity to the area of medical terminations, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has said. Speaking in the Dáil on Thursday, Mr Gilmore also said that he and the Taoiseach would be receiving copies of the report from the expert group on abortion.
29 July 2010
Liam Adams To Appeal To Supreme Court
It has emerged the brother of Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams is taking his appeal against extradition to the Republic's highest court. Mr Adams, 54, who is wanted in Northern Ireland for the alleged rape and indecent assault of his daughter, has claimed a letter has been withheld from his legal team.
12 August 2009
Shares Sprial Downwards As Carroll Empire Crumbles
Bank shares have tumbled as a court ruling removed protection from the property empire of developer Liam Carroll. Shares in Bank of Ireland and AIB fell this morning following the Supreme Court ruling yesterday that ended court protection for six of developer Liam Carroll's companies. So far Bank of Ireland shares have fallen by 5.
16 December 2010
Abortion Laws Violate Irish Rights: Court
The European Court of Human Rights has found the Irish Republic is in violation of the rights of a woman with cancer who travelled to the UK for an abortion. Today's ruling in Strasbourg could require a change to Irish law.
18 October 2013
Actions Of All Staff Involved With Savita Halappanavar To Be Reviewed
A special meeting of the board of the HSE West/North West Hospital Group, which met last night to discuss issues surrounding the Savita Halappanavar case, have ordered a "review of the actions of all staff" involved in her treatment.