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

I wish to ask the Tánaiste specifically about forthcoming referendums and legislation. Two referendums have been announced, one on marriage equality and the other on the age limit to stand in presidential elections. Amazingly, however, there has been no announcement on the repeal of the eighth amendment. Is this also the view of the Labour Party because in the House last week the Taoiseach stated there would not be a referendum on the eighth amendment? This is despite the horrific case over Christmas and a court case today involving a migrant rape victim where women were demeaned and used as vessels and incubators under the eighth amendment? Is it the Tánaiste's view that women should be treated in this way or will she allow a repeal of the eighth amendment which is supposed to be Labour Party policy? Will she argue for this at Cabinet level or has she also voted at the Cabinet to exclude the eighth amendment from forthcoming referendums?

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