The Eastern Health Board policy on whether it would give financial assistance to a woman who wanted to go to England for an abortion would have to be whatever the law obliged it to do, the chief executive officer of the EHB said yesterday.
Mr P.J. Fitzpatrick was answering questions at the Dail Committee on Public Accounts put by the chairman, Mr Jim Mitchell, who persisted in his questioning about the board's policy on giving financial assistance to travel for an abortion.
Mr Mitchell first asked: "With regard to abortion services, if an application was made for financial assistance to travel for an abortion, would the board agree?"
Mr Fitzpatrick said that it had not arisen. There had been one well-publicised case recently. But each case must be considered within the law of the land.
Asked if the health board assisted in finance for any medical services, Mr Fitzpatrick said there was a scheme for medical procedures if they were necessary and not available in Ireland. In the first seven months of 1997, 64 people were referred abroad for medical procedures but not for an abortion.
"Would public money be spent if that did happen?" asked Mr Mitchell. The CEO said the board would be able to comply with the law.
Mr Mitchell said the law allowed for information and travel. "Has it been considered by the board or has there been any discussion?"
Mr Fitzpatrick replied that the board's policy would have to be whatever the law obliged it to do. He referred to the one case that had gone before the courts.
Mr Mitchell said: "That was a very specific case. I'm talking about an adult woman who has decided to opt for an abortion and seeks financial assistance. Would she get it?"
Mr Fitzpatrick said that every case would be looked at. They would have to establish the legal situation in every case.