Cabinet to fast-track abortion ruling responses

The Government deal preventing a vote this week on abortion laws contains no guarantee for when legal changes on foot of the citizens’ assembly ruling may take place.

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.