No free vote on abortion for FG TDs
Enda Kenny made his comments ahead of today’s publication of the long-awaited report by the Expert Group on Abortion after its contents are discussed by Cabinet.
A number of Fine Gael TDs still have reservations about what they have described as the liberalisation of abortion laws.
But Labour insist the report — expected to recommend legislating for abortion in limited circumstances — must be acted upon.
Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte yesterday said the issue “ought not be avoided by legislators” as it has been in the past, and legislation is “the safe way forward”.
“There isn’t any point in bringing together a number of eminent people under the chairmanship of Mr Justice Seán Ryan to produce a report unless you are minded to act on its conclusions,” said Mr Rabbitte said.
Mr Kenny said that he believes “the vast majority of people understand what needs to be done”, but that “they do not want to move to a position where you have abortion on demand in the country”.
Asked during a visit to Wales if Fine Gael backbenchers would get a “free vote” on the issue in the likely event of legislation being introduced, Mr Kenny said: “Our party has been very clear on this issue: People who are elected, sit and vote, and should do so in accordance with party decisions.”
The expert group was set up to examine a European Court of Human Rights’ ruling two years ago on the ABC case, which required the Government to provide legal clarity on abortion.
Mr Rabbitte said he believes the report’s recommendations are in line with Labour’s position on the issue. “The longstanding position of the Labour Party ever since the X Case and the Supreme Court remarks in respect of same is that legislation will prove to be necessary,” he said.
The publication of the report will be followed by another debate on the issue, with a Dáil private member’s motion proposed by Independent Clare Daly.
Though the Government has not given any timeline for action on the expert group report, Labour ministers are likely to seek some commitment on the issue.
Mr Rabbitte said it is “a very sensitive issue, but it’s an issue that I believe the Government has to address”.
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