Statement: Bacik Welcomes Setting-Up of Expert Group on ABC Case
30 November 2011
STATEMENT BY SENATOR IVANA BACIK
Labour Party Seanad leader and Spokesperson on Justice
Wednesday 30th November 2011
BACIK WELCOMES SETTING-UP OF EXPERT GROUP ON ABC CASE
Speaking in the Seanad this morning, Senator Ivana Bacik welcomed the announcement that the Cabinet has approved the establishment of an expert group to address the outcome of the ABC case judgment on abortion in the European Court of Human Rights, in which Ireland was found to have breached the rights of a pregnant woman with a serious health condition who had to travel to England for an abortion.
Welcoming the announcement, Senator Ivana Bacik said:
“For many years, successive governments have failed to take any action to address the need for reform of our law on abortion. The ABC judgment by the European Court of Human Rights in December 2010 was waiting to happen.”
“I am delighted that the Government has now moved to fulfil its commitment in the Programme for Government by establishing an expert working group to examine how to address the ruling of the European Court. I am also really delighted that the group is to report back to government within six months on how best to address this judgment. There should be no more foot-dragging on this issue. ”
ENDS