TDS must work harder to pass abortion laws 10 people are beheaded
Dail will sit for an extra week to get legislation ready
SUSPECTED Islamist militants have beheaded 10 people in Mozambique.
Children are reported to be among those targeted in the attack on Monjane village in Cabo Delgado province
Islamist militant groups have carried out attacks in the region in the last year.
Kian with volunteer Seamus Mcgoldrick & An Taisce’s Sinead Mccoy AN extra week in the Dail and a summer full of committee hearings are on the table as part of the Government’s drive to get abortion legislation passed.
Health Minister Simon Harris received a swift endorsement for his planned laws at a Cabinet briefing yesterday.
This clears the way for the introduction of legislation that will allow unrestricted abortions up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the Dail that extended sittings and debates will be approved to facilitate the smooth transition of the new Bill through the Oireachtas.
He added: “We want to legislate as soon and as quickly as possible. We also want to make sure that we do not rush the process either because there are people who do not accept the result of the weekend and who may challenge the referendum itself in the coming days and who may wish to challenge the legislation once we pass it.
“It is important we act with haste but not too much haste that we put through bad legislation – I think everyone will agree with that sentiment.
“The Cabinet authorised Minister to work with the Attorney General to begin the drafting of detailed legislation right away as a priority, with a view to having it in this House before the summer recess.
“We are agreeable to the suggestion that the Dail term be extended into the recess to allow this matter alone to be legislated for and get through Second Stage before we rise for the summer, thereby allowing the select committee to consider the legislation during the recess.”
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou Mcdonald said the people had led the politicians in the referendum campaign.
She added: “Saturday was a momentous day. We voted overwhelmingly to remove the Eighth Amendment from the Constitution.
“We said in a strong and unified voice that we would no longer tolerate Irish women being treated as second-class citizens.
“We said we trusted women to make the best decisions on their pregnancies and healthcare. We demonstrated the instinctive compassion of the people.
“We said loudly that we were no longer willing to stand over a system that made exiles of women in crisis. The people led and the politicians followed.
“By voting Yes, the people showed us their vision of what they wanted their country to be – progressive, equal, fair and kind.” the Health Leo Varadkar