Citizens’ Assembly clears way for State to vote on abortion

The way has been cleared for the Government to allow a referendum on abortion without restriction early next year after a series of wide-ranging recommendations were made by the independent Citizens’ Assembly.

In an historic move that has far-reaching consequences for the State, 64% of assembly members yesterday voted for terminations without restriction to be made lawful — and said TDs and senators should now legislate for the change.

The randomly selected group of 99 people, who were chaired by Supreme Court judge Ms Justice Mary Laffoy, had on Saturday recommended amending the eighth amendment instead of repealing it entirely.