The Minister for Disabilities has said a citizen’s forum on abortion should be wrapped up by the autumn.

Finian McGrath’s reiterated his own personal view that the 8th amendment should be repealed.

However he said the way the government will progress the issue is through a citizens forum.

Minister Finian McGrath says the issue should be dealt with quickly: “I strongly support the campaign repeal the 8th amendment but I also agree, the majority view was that we let the citizens convention sit and get on with it.

“But I hope we can get on with it as quickly as possible, my own personal view would be get it done by the autumn but that is my own personal view.”

Abortion is back in the spotlight after the UN last week called for Ireland to lift its constitutional ban on the practice, as it subjects women to ‘suffering and discrimination’