Ministers to have freedom on Eighth Amendment vote

The likelihood of Fine Gael ministers voting against plans to repeal the Eighth Amendment and allow unrestricted access to abortion up to 12 weeks has increased, after the party said ministers can vote with their conscience in the Dáil.

And at a special Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting today, TDs and senators will be told there is no abortion referendum ‘Plan B’ and that they will need to decide on the issue.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner after weekend reports that ministers will be given a free vote on both the referendum bill and any subsequent legislation should the Eighth Amendment be repealed, a senior Fine Gael spokesperson confirmed the decision.