Coalition confident abortion deal will happen

Last-minute talks between ministers in the Coalition have left both sides hopeful that agreed proposals on abortion legislation will be brought before Cabinet tomorrow.

An agreed wording of the bill will legislate for the X case and address the threat to a woman’s life from suicide, senior Coalition sources confirmed.

Labour and Fine Gael were both confident last night that a deal would be ready for Cabinet, with suggestions that fewer than six consultants would be needed to approve a termination. A two-stage process for approving a termination will also be included in plans.