Emotionally charged exchanges in Dáil during abortion debate

Health Minister Simon Harris has said he has to oppose a bill to liberalise the country’s abortion laws, even though he wants to support it.

During emotionally charged exchanges in a debate on Independent TD Mick Wallace’s abortion bill, Mr Harris said he did not want to give the women of Ireland false hope by supporting a bill that is incompatible with the Constitution.

During his measured and compassionate speech, Mr Harris apologised to Amanda Mellet, the woman who brought her case to the United Nations. He added his voice in support for repealing the controversial 8th Amendment.