Citizens' assembly conclusions 'fair, balanced and neutral' says chair

Speaking during the first public meeting of the cross-party Oireachtas committee on the eighth amendment, Ms Laffoy said TDs and senators must take responsibility for what happens next.

The chair of the citizens' assembly has warned politicians any changes to the eighth amendment risk facing immediate High Court challenge unless they are based on stand-alone new laws instead of only altering the constitution, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith, Political Correspondent.

Justice Mary Laffoy made the comment as she separately described the assembly's wide-reaching conclusions as "fair, balanced and neutral", and rejected claims some of those who took part were "misled" in favour of a "liberal" response to the issue.