Reilly defends decision to leave meeting

Health Minister James Reilly has defended his decision not to take questions from TDs and senators during Oireachtas Health Committee hearings on draft laws allowing abortion in limited circumstances.

The minister came under criticism from his own party colleagues and members of the Opposition after he left a meeting straight after addressing it on the heads of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.

“I can’t think of a more appropriate place for him to be than here in this chamber,” said Fine Gael TD Billy Timmins, to cries of “here, here!”.