The Citizens’ Assembly on abortion must focus on completely removing the 8th amendment from the Constitution, repeal groups have said.

Coalition to Repeal the 8th Amendment said the Assembly needed to report back promptly after consulting with relevant groups.

It also said the Government must set out a subsequent timeframe for it to consider the Assembly’s recommendations.

The Coalition is holding a press conference today to highlight its concerns.

The coalition’s Ailbhe Smyth (pictured) said they wanted assurances on timings and the scope of the Assembly, adding: “The Assembly’s recommendations will be referred to a joint Oireachtas committee. That committee, to our knowledge, has not yet been named. We don’t know if it’s an existing committee.

“A timeframe has not been named as to when that committee must come back with its recommendations.

“It would be very unfortunate if the Citizens’ Assembly were to make a prompt recommendation and it were to then to get stuck in a joint Oireachtas committee.”