Opposition abortion bill splits Cabinet

Government remains divided on an opposition abortion bill after it failed to reach agreement during a lengthy Cabinet meeting.

There was disagreement among ministers at Cabinet yesterday as Government was unable to reach agreement on a bill being brought forward by AAA-PBP TD Bríd Smith to amend the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013.

It is understood that the attorney general had advised that Government vote against the bill which aims to bring the penalty for procuring the abortion pill down from a possible 14-year prison sentence to a €1 fine.