Cabinet to fast-track abortion ruling responses
The Independent Alliance and unaligned Independent Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone were forced to admit the situation despite both claiming the deal as a win for their groups.
After days of talks, the Cabinet yesterday agreed to fast-track responses to the citizens’ assembly abortion ruling next year in return for blocking an opposition vote on the issue this week.
In a joint statement released before last night’s Dáil debate, Cabinet said work on a Dáil committee to examine the assembly will begin immediately in order to ensure no time lag next year.
The deal also includes an unwritten intention for this committee to report back with its own findings within six months of receiving the assembly ruling next June and to allow a free vote when the matter eventually comes to the Dáil.
However, Fine Gael, the Independent Alliance, and Ms Zappone confirmed there is no written agreement for the Dáil committee to report within six months of the assembly ruling.
It was also confirmed there is no agreement to hold a referendum or make any legal changes recommended at the end of this timeline — early 2018 — potentially pushing out any decision until after the next election.
Meanwhile, cabinet has also agreed to set up a Public Service Pay Commission to “advise” the Government on negotiations with public service unions and provide an “objective analysis on pay matters”. The commission will provide an initial report on the issues by next June.
Separately, the Cabinet also confirmed the appointment of Noel Waters as Department of Justice secretary general.
