Katherine Zappone proposes planned Dáil committee to discuss abortion
The Irish Examiner understands that Ms Zappone wants the assembly’s report to be delivered to this new committee next year, allowing it to immediately begin its work on receipt of the document, speeding up any potential legal changes.
Ms Zappone, who fully supports the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, is pressing the idea to ensure no time is wasted and to increase confidence in the assembly, it is understood.
The call was made last night as it emerged Cabinet is to agree a compromise position on the abortion bill to be debated today in the Dáil to avoid a major Government row.
Despite demanding a free vote for weeks, Independent Alliance members of Government have agreed in principle to oppose the Ruth Coppinger bill, which is seeking to repeal the 1983 Constitutional Eighth Amendment on abortion.
Intense discussions took place between Fine Gael and the Alliance throughout yesterday to agree a final wording but Fine Gael sources described the Independent Alliance as having “caved in” on their earlier demands, suggesting the result is a win for their party.
Health Minister Simon Harris said he expects the Government will agree a unified position on the Independents’ abortion bill at Cabinet today. Communications Minister Denis Naughten was of a similar view.
