Dáil Éireann - Volume 313 - 29 March, 1979

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Family Planning Bill.

Mr. Horgan Mr. Horgan

25. Mr. Horgan asked the Minister for Health the number of members of staff of his Department, if any, who have declined to take part in the drafting or processing of the Health (Family Planning) Bill, 1978, in line with the undertaking given by him in his Second Reading speech that they could opt out of such work on conscientious grounds.

Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey

Mr. Haughey: The answer is none.

Mr. Horgan Mr. Horgan

Mr. Horgan: Does the Minister's undertaking mean anything at all or was it just a political gimmick?

Dr. O'Connell Dr. O'Connell

Dr. O'Connell: Has the Minister made any study into the numbers of doctors and chemists?

An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan

An Ceann Comhairle: That is a separate question. The question relates to staff. I am anxious to prevent an enlarging of the question.

Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey

Mr. Haughey: We can discuss it on the family planning legislation.

Mr. Boland Mr. Boland

Mr. Boland: On the same basis, is the Minister aware that his colleagues in the parliamentary party wished to opt out?

Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey

Mr. Haughey: The Deputy should watch his own rearguard.

Mr. Boland Mr. Boland

Mr. Boland: I am watching them.

Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey

Mr. Haughey: I see Deputy Clinton up there waiting to contribute later on. I want to hear what he has to say.

Dáil Éireann 313 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Family Planning Bill.

Questions

19790329