Any vote to repeal the Eighth Amendment will not lead to “abortion on demand” due to the separate legal and political hurdles such a result is almost certain to face.

Last week the Government announced the establishment of an ex-gratia redress scheme for women who underwent symphysiotomy.

The role of the internet in exploring human rights will be discussed at a seminar in Dublin today.

ACADEMICS on both sides of the Atlantic are now openly calling for the resignation of Government chief science advisor Dr Barry McSweeney, who is embroiled in continuing controversy over the origins of a doctorate he received in America.