Health Minister Simon Harris says legislative proposals by a TD for abortions to be allowed in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities are “unconstitutional” but added that he thinks the current situation is “totally unacceptable”.

A bill to liberalise the country’s abortion laws looks set to be declared “unconstitutional” by Attorney General Marie Whelan, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

Left-wing TDs have warned of a summer of industrial unrest unless employers back down on pay disputes that are set to take centre stage.

Newly elected Cork TD Mick Barry is adamant to keep water charges, the health crisis, and the homelessness issue on the agenda of the 32nd Dáil.

The vast majority of people in Ireland want abortion decriminalised and access expanded, a poll for Amnesty International has found.