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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Abortion law review and rail links

Summary

Deputy Bríd Smith challenged the delay in appointing someone to review the abortion legislation, and Deputy Niamh Smyth then raised the Navan-Kingscourt rail feasibility proposal. The Taoiseach said he would engage with the Health Minister on the review and confirmed support for extending the rail line beyond Navan if possible.

We are running out of time. I will take a 30-second question each from the three Deputies remaining, beginning with Deputy Bríd Smith.

Comment on this

On 1 January 2022, the legislation governing the termination of pregnancies will be three years old and the Minister will be obliged to conduct a review of its operation. There are approximately seven weeks left to the end of the year, yet I have been told in the reply to a parliamentary question, as I read it, that the lead person who will conduct the review has not yet been appointed. There are three sections that must be focused on, namely, service users, service providers and a public consultation. How is all of that going to be done in the next seven weeks, given that one of those weeks is Christmas week?

Comment on this

Thank you, Deputy.

Comment on this

Please, Deputy.

Comment on this

We need that review because there are violations of human rights embedded in the legislation.

Comment on this

I call Deputy Niamh Smyth.

Comment on this

The National Transport Authority, NTA, recently launched its plan and strategy for public transport. As a Border Deputy, I am heartened to see the rail line to Navan has been included. My focus is on the Border area and I will continue to be relentless in calling for a feasibility study on continuing the disused line from Navan to Kingscourt. I am delighted that the Government has committed to doing exactly that in the national development plan, NDP.

The reason I ask is the obvious potential to improve connectivity and unlock a wealth of economic prosperity for the Border region in a meaningful and real way for public transport. I ask the Taoiseach to ensure money is allocated for the feasibility study.

Comment on this

We are beyond time for a citizens assembly on planning for Irish unity. The British Government does not have a strategy on Brexit or the Irish protocol other than maintaining absolute disorder. All we can hope for is that Dominic Cummings is correct and Boris Johnson changes his mind. This is not good enough. The conversation has started and even representatives in the Taoiseach's party are completely engaged on it. The British Government has to be told we cannot have any sort of renegotiation of the Irish protocol that allows for a hardening of the Irish Border. We need to deal with the reality that the only way we will deal with the British presence in Ireland is by introducing Irish unity. Is é sin é.

Comment on this

To respond to Deputy Bríd Smith, I will engage with the Minister for Health. He announced a review of the Act and legislation.

Comment on this