Expect much heat and little light from the next three days

THE Oireachtas health committee meets today to begin three days of public hearings from legal, medical, and religious representatives and groups advocating both anti-abortion and pro-choice views.

According to its chairman Jerry Buttimer (FG), the committee aims to provide a mechanism for people to engage with the process and help frame the legislation for the restricted introduction of abortion based on the Supreme Court’s 1992 decision in the X case.

This seems a rather optimistic view, though, as while the committee will compile a report on the submissions it receives, it will not make any recommendations. The ultimate decision on what the legislation will initially look like remains the prerogative of James Reilly, the health minister.