Bruton admits Cabinet divided on 12 week abortion access plan

Education Minister Richard Bruton has admitted the Cabinet is divided on plans to potentially allow unrestricted access to abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, saying ministers’ views “reflect the people at large”.

Mr Bruton made the comment in response to questions on whether the Cabinet has split over the key issue despite repeatedly refusing to outline his own position.

At Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Government ministers were formally told the Oireachtas committee has recommended repealing the Eighth Amendment and legislating for unrestricted access to abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.