Reilly under fire for not taking questions on abortion legislation
By Mary Regan, Political correspondent
Health Minister, James Reilly, has come under criticism from Fine Gael backbenchers for not being available to take questions on draft abortion laws at this morning's meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee.
Members of the committee were informed by e-mail yesterday that while the hearings would be addressed by Minister Reilly, he would have to leave before taking questions from TDs and Senators.
"I can't think of a more appropriate place where the Minister would be than in this chamber," said Wicklow TD, Billy Timmins, to chants of "hear hear" from both opposition and coalition TDs and Senators.
Fine Gael Senator Paul Bradford, said it was "bizarre" that the Minister was not present.
Sinn Fein's spokesperson on Health, Caoimhghin O Caolain, also said he was disappointed that the Minister was not present to discuss the sensitive issue.
The Committee has begun three days of hearing on the outline of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill which is expected to be enacted into law in July.
Earlier, Minister Reilly said he looked forward to discussing the legislation "and any amendments that may arise" but indicated that these amendments might be technical in nature.
Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, Dr Tony Honohan, has been taking questions from TDs and Senators. He said the number of abortions as a result of the risk of suicide are "not likely to be significant" under the proposed laws.
As discussions got heated at the closing of the first session, committee chairman, Jerry Buttimer, appealed to members to "take a deep breath" and be respectful of each other's views.
Medical experts will address the committee this afternoon, including the Masters of the three maternity hospitals as well as obstetricians from the regional hospitals.
