Katherine Zappone proposes planned Dáil committee to discuss abortion

Minister for Children Katherine Zappone has called for a planned Dáil committee on abortion due to examine the Citizens’ Assembly’s findings to be set up before the assembly completes its work in a bid to bolster support for the process.

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.