Committee considers hearings on termination rules

Hearings on potential legislation to allow for terminations for fatal foetal abnormalities are to be considered by the Oireachtas Health Committee following the latest Dáil row on abortion.

Committee chairman Jerry Buttimer confirmed to the Irish Examiner he had received a written request from Labour senator and lawyer Ivana Bacik to hold public hearings on the matter.

It comes after a Dáil motion was voted down by the Coalition this week which proposed allowing for terminations in such cases. Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the bill, proposed by Independent TD Clare Daly, was unconstitutional.