Cabinet will discuss the timeline for new abortion laws today.
Health Minister Simon Harris will introduce legislation into the Dáil before the summer recess that could be passed by the end of the year.
Simon Harris will bring a timetable to his cabinet colleagues this morning that will see the legislation for allowing abortions in Ireland published within 6 weeks.
Other things need to be put in place at the same time – like the regulation of abortion pills and clinical guidelines for medical practitioners.
The cabinet will discuss the issue today and the Department of Health has asked for a meeting with the relevant medical colleges to discuss guidelines.
While Ministers have been saying they want to move quickly to enact the decision taken by people in the referendum, they want to make sure they get the law right so there is a safe service for women.
Minister Harris is confident the legislation can pass all stages in the Dáil and Seanad and become law before the end of the year.
Fianna Fáil have called for special sittings of the Dáil during the summer break to ensure it passes quickly.
Clare’s Independent TD insists there must be a careful approach to enacting what he’s labelled the “unique” abortion laws in this country.
It’ll be a GP-led service and the National Association of General Practitioners has outlined concerns over a lack of infrastucture to provide these services.
The government says doctors will be consulted, however, and Dr Michael Harty insists that ensuring a safe service will be the key focus in the coming months:
Meanwhile, Clare Junior Mininster Pat Breen believes it’s important for Ireland to consider the No voters, if we’re to be truly inclusive going forward.
Deputy Breen has revealed he voted in favour of repealing the 8th Amendment, despite staying tight lipped on the matter in the run up to the vote.
Speaking at the count centre in Shannon on Saturday, Minister of State Breen admitted that while it’s been a difficult issue, it’s now time Ireland moves on:
