Minister for Health welcomes passing of Referendum Bill through Second Stage in the Dáil

The Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, today (Wednesday) welcomed the passing of the Referendum Bill through Second Stage in the Dáil.

The Thirty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2018 is paving the way for a referendum to be held on the 8th Amendment before the end of May.

Minister Harris said “I welcome the fact that the Dáil today passed the Referendum Bill through Second Stage. It will now progress to Committee and Final Stages, before going to the Seanad.

“The referendum will propose that Article 40.3.3 is deleted in its entirety and a clause inserted that makes it clear that the Oireachtas may legislate to regulate termination of pregnancy.

“I would like to thank all of my colleagues who have contributed to this very important debate to date, and who have done so in a respectful manner.

“It is important to remember that the referendum must be passed, and the 8th Amendment repealed, if anything is to change for Irish women.

“I believe that as people reflect on the current situation in Ireland, where women are forced abroad to have a termination, where women are purchasing abortion pills unsafely online and where women in extremely difficult situations are left isolated and neglected, that the Irish people will vote to repeal the 8th Amendment.”