Health Minister Simon Harris has said the current laws governing abortions relating to fatal foetal abnormality are “unacceptable”, writes Daniel McConnell of the Irish Examiner.
He said the legal advice the Government has received is that the issue is a constitutional matter, meaning it would need to be resolved by way of a referendum.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Mr Harris insisted that the issue surrounding a decision whether or not to repeal the Eighth Amendment will be the first item on the agenda for the new citizens’ assembly.
The Wicklow TD denied the citizens’ assembly was a stalling tactic.
“The current situation is utterly unacceptable,” he said unambiguously.
He said: “This Government will address the issue. It is not up to me or Enda Kenny, it is for the Irish people. It is not for me to dictate the terms of the citizens’ assembly. If we jumped straight to a referendum, it could be very polarised.
“With the citizens’ assembly there will be an informed position.”
On Sunday, former Health Minister Leo Varadkar said term limits for abortion should be considered in the event of the eighth amendment to the Constitution being repealed.
However Mr Varadkar defended the Government’s position that a citizen’s assembly should first take place before any decision is taken to hold a referendum on whether to repeal the eighth amendment, which guarantees the equal right to life of the mother and the unborn.
The Minister agreed that his personal views could be characterised as wanting abortion law in Ireland liberalised, but not by too much.
Last week, Taoiseach Enda Kenny told a gathering of political correspondents that there is a need to gauge a consensus for change among Irish people in relation to abortion.
“This is something that is so traumatic and sensitive and personal for some people and families,” he said.
“It has divided Irish society for a long time. I myself have struggled with this. It’s a profound issue.”
He said: “This is really about understanding that change to Constitution requires a measure of understanding.
“In this case it’s my view it’s important to determine what level of consensus there is for change,” he said.
