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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Abortion access and Eighth Amendment referendum

Summary

Ruth Coppinger seeks time to discuss the case of a migrant denied an early abortion and a referendum on repealing the Eighth Amendment. The Taoiseach cites an impending report and forthcoming termination regulations, while the remaining business is approved.

It is not agreed. I oppose the proposal that the Dáil shall rise tonight following Private Members' Business. I believe the House should sit later to discuss the horrific ordeal of the suicidal migrant rape victim who was denied an early abortion in this country over the course of the summer, which has drawn international opprobrium and has horrified ordinary people throughout this country. Amazingly, no time has been provided by the Government to discuss this case or to allow Deputies to question two Ministers who had knowledge of these events when being questioned by the United Nations during the summer. Clearly, this anti-woman law which was voted through the Dáil has failed. We need to table time to discuss when a referendum can be held to repeal the Eighth Amendment of our Constitution, which is a medieval amendment inserted into our Constitution 31 years ago.

I propose that the Dáil not rise until this matter has been discussed and until such time as the Tánaiste, in particular, who made her reputation on women's rights-----

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

The Deputy has made her point.

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-----brings forward a date for discussion of this matter and of the holding of a referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

This is a very sensitive and personal matter. Arising from the circumstances involved, a report is being prepared for the Minister for Health. That report is due shortly. I cannot give a definite date for it but I can assure the House that the young woman involved is receiving the very best level of care and attention possible. The Minister for Health intends to publish the regulations regarding terminations on, I think, Friday of this week.

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When will we have an opportunity to discuss the issue and question Ministers about it?

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 15 and 16 agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with divisions in the House this week agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with the sitting and business of the Dáil on Friday, 3 October 2014 agreed? Agreed.

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