The Joint Committee on Health invited the Irish College of GPs to a meeting of the Committee on Wednesday, September 16, to consider issues relating to the Health (Abolition of the Three Day Wait Rule) Amendment Bill 2026.
Meetings with relevant stakeholders in the health system are being held to support Committee members to understand the implications of any proposed changes to the amendment.
Representatives of the College were asked to present to the Committee on Wednesday, September 16, in relation to the Three Day Wait Rule and implications for general practice. The Irish College of GP representatives were asked to consider the practical, procedural and organisational issues that may arise, and the implications for patient care, and to inform the Committee on the relevant evidence base.
The Bill has not completed all Oireachtas stages or been signed into law and is currently at Committee Stage.
The proposed amendment does not diminish the importance of a period of reflection for women who require it in order to facilitate decision-making and ensure informed consent. Such a reflection period should be responsive to a woman’s medical and emotional needs and should be determined by the woman in consultation with her doctor, rather than being legally mandated.
See Opening Statement to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health.