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!”.

His colleague, Senator Paul Bradford, said it was “bizarre” that Dr Reilly left without taking questions.

However, a spokesperson for Dr Reilly said it was important that the questions be “facilitated with clear factual replies ahead of any political debate”.

He said the committee was a “first step” and was intended to provide “clarity on the interpretation of the heads of the Bill”.

Members were informed by email on Thursday afternoon that Dr Reilly would not be available for questions, which instead were taken by Tony Holohan, the Chief Medical Officer.

Junior health minister Alex White will make remarks to the committee at the end of the hearings on Tuesday evening. Experts in psychiatry are due to address the committee on Monday and it is expected to hear from legal experts on Tuesday.