Women 'overwhelmingly support access to abortion'

The National Women's Council of Ireland has said Irish women overwhelmingly support access to abortion in this country.

The council is launching its strategic plan for Women's Equality today.

The four-year plan focuses on four key issues - repealing the 8th Amendment, reducing childcare costs, addressing the gender pay and pensions gap and tackling domestic and sexual violence.

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald will attend the launch. The Council said it would appeal to her to take action to address these issues.

Director of the Council Orla O'Connor (pictured) said Irish women of all ages and backgrounds are very clear on what they want.

"They want to see abortion services in Ireland as part of our normal healthcare services. They want a referendum and clear legislation that protects women's health," she said.

On childcare, she said: "(Women) want affordable childcare. There's more availability, but the cost is still extremely prohibitive."