Abortion debate won’t clash with papal visit

Enda Kenny has discussed the country’s abortion laws with the Vatican and outlined the work of the Citizens’ Assembly which is examining the potential for a referendum on the issue.

However, he ruled out any potential referendum or divisive debate around one impacting on the Pope’s confirmed visit to Ireland in 2018, as the trip will be made in August when no such votes are traditionally held.

Mr Kenny outlined how during his private talks with Vatican secretary of state Cardinal Pietro Parolin, he explained how the Citizens’ Assembly will examine potential changes to the country’s existing laws or whether to recommend the abolition of the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.