Leading barrister says government will need to rethink proposed abortion laws

A leading barrister said the government will need to rethink the proposed abortion laws when it comes to appeals such as if a woman is refused a termination under the suicide ground.

Dr Simon Mills - who drafted his own abortion bill at the last oireachtas committee hearings - is appearing before the final day of hearings on the legislation.

The draft heads of the bill allow for an appeal by a woman who is refused an abortion under the grounds laid out - but do not allow for legal or other representation.

"It strikes me that this requirement arises possibly in two settings, one relates to the simple fact that a person may not be best placed to put their own case and may require a case put for them whether some form of assistance would be required is a matter for the Oireachtas," said Mr Mills

"But there is another area as well that arises and that relates to capacity to argue ones case."