merrion street

The United Nations Human Rights Committee published its views today on complaints brought by AM that Ireland breached its obligation under a number of Articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We are studying these views, which we take seriously, and we are assessing the policy and legal implications.

Commenting, Minister Harris said: "I have read the report from the UNHR Committee and find the experience this woman had deeply upsetting. I have met with families who have been through the trauma of knowing their baby will not survive and I have been very moved by hearing of their experiences. I want to see this issue addressed. I believe that the Government's commitment to develop a consensus approach with a Citizen's Assembly is the way to move forward and today's views from the UNHR Committee should clearly form an important part of this process."