Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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804. To ask the Minister for Health the assurances he has received from Holles Street Hospital regarding the ongoing safety of termination services at the hospital; if this included practices at a clinic (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34766/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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With regard to the ongoing safety of termination of pregnancy services at the National Maternity Hospital, my Department sought, and received, assurances from the Hospital that the termination of pregnancy legislation is being correctly implemented by the Hospital and that appropriate policies, practices and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with that legislation. I met recently with the Master and these assurances were offered to me in person.

As the clinic in question is a private one, it falls outside the remit of the HSE and my Department. The Deputy may however wish to note that a Patient Safety Licensing Bill, which underwent pre-legislative scrutiny in 2018, will introduce a licensing requirement for all public and private hospitals, as well as clinics and facilities engaged in certain designated high-risk activities.