Flanagan: Abortion bill will not be 'rubber-stamped'

Fine Gael chairman Charlie Flanagan has said that party members who oppose abortion legislation will be able to seek amendments.

Speaking to The Irish Times, Deputy Flanagan says the draft Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill will not be 'rubber-stamped' - with anti-abortion TDs and Senators given plenty of opportunity to deliberate on the 'small print' of the law.

Some Fine Gael deputies want to see an annual review of the legislation if the number of terminations rises and legal representation for the unborn child if a woman is granted an abortion on grounds of suicide.

The Labour Party is opposed to any changes to the Bill, which will be discussed at Oireachtas Health Committee hearings starting next week.