Ahead of a two-day debate on the findings of the Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment which gets underway this evening, two more of Clare’s Oireachtas representatives have had their say on the issue.
The Committee has recommended a law change to allow unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks into pregnancy but some TD’s think that’s going a step too far.
Oireachtas representatives will have the chance today to debate the Oireachtas Committee report on the 8th Amendment.
The government’s consulting with the Attorney General about whether more constitutional change above and beyond repeal of the 8th may be needed to allow the Dáil to legislate for abortion.
The Oireachtas committee has recommended unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks, something that has divided politicians.
All five of Clare’s Oireachtas representatives have said they support a repeal of the eighth amendment, but recommendations of unrestricted abortion up to twelve weeks have divided opinions.
Independent TD Michael Harty has pointed to a dilemma between moral and medial aspects of the issue, saying there should be restrictions, while Fine Gael Junior Minister Pat Breen has said he has concerns and remains undecided.
Referring to the thousands of women who travel abroad every year and the upsurge in the use of the so-called abortion pill, Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway has said some measures need to be put in place to halt these practices.
And today, Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD has said he doesn’t think abortion without restriction will result in an increase in terminations.
Deputy Timmy Dooley believes options should be there for women who find themselves in crisis pregnancies.
Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey insists that the forthcoming campaign should be led by the people, with the role of politicians being to put forward legislation that can be voted on in a referendum.
Deputy Carey says he’s reflecting on the matter and as yet remains undecided on the issue of unrestricted abortion.
The two day debate gets underway this evening.
