Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that we must wait for the report on this particular case. When it is forthcoming, we will put questions to the Minister and his colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, regarding their knowledge of events. I am particularly interested in discovering whether the Minister for Justice and Equality knew about this case when she was questioned, and subsequently condemned, by the UN Human Rights Committee and said nothing about it.

The Minister is correct. The constitutional ban on abortion is the problem. As long as a grown woman is equated with a foetus, we will continue to have major difficulties. That women are so degraded in this way by the Constitution is the problem. The ban must go because as long as it is in place, there can be no humane provision of abortion in this country.

The referendums lined up to take place in the spring include one on marriage equality. We could easily have a referendum to repeal the eighth amendment on the same day as the marriage equality referendum. In fact, it would be a double endorsement of progress in this country. It would be a signal to the rest of the world that the Catholic Church's writ does not run despite the wishes of the majority in society and it would be a hammer blow to the Catholic Church's domination of many areas of life in this country. The For Reproductive rights, against Oppression, Sexism & Austerity, ROSA, campaign and Socialist Party Deputies will be calling for a referendum to be held on the same day. It makes absolute sense. The people are coming out to vote and this is a crucial topic that they would like to have a say in. The referendums could be held at that time.

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