First meeting of citizens’ assembly

Taoiseach Enda Kenny will formally launch the first meeting of the citizens’ assembly today as the independent group’s members begin examining potential changes to abortion laws; fixed-term parliaments; and how Ireland is tackling the climate change crisis.

The Fine Gael leader will speak to the assembly’s 99 members, alongside chairwoman, Justice Mary Laffoy, in Dublin Castle this afternoon amid ongoing criticism the group has been set up to delay decisions on a series of controversial matters.

The citizens’ assembly was established as a successor to the 2012-2014 Constitutional Convention after February’s general election to specifically examine issues including the eighth amendment; fixed-term parliaments; and how Ireland can become a leader in tackling climate change.