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<p><del class="ministerial">It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member
in the time available before Prorogation.</del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">There
are a range of sensitive policy issues to carefully work through in order to deliver
regulations to provide access to abortion services in Northern Ireland by 31 March
2020 in Northern Ireland. This duty will come into effect if the Northern Ireland
Executive is not restored by 21 October 2019. </ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">
</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">Government officials including from the NIO
have met some representatives of the medical profession and other stakeholders and
will continue to do so in the weeks ahead.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial"> </ins></p><p><ins
class="ministerial">There will also be a period of consultation throughout this process
for individuals in Northern Ireland as well as relevant organisations to provide input
and views. I will continue to keep the House updated on these plans at the appropriate
opportunities through the Executive Formation Act reporting requirements.</ins></p><p><ins
class="ministerial"> </ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The Government's preference
remains seeing the Stormont institutions back up and running so they can take forward
any issues of reform on these types of sensitive devolved issues, as a matter of priority.</ins></p>
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