Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, in order to change the Constitution, one must have the approval of the people. What question does she want to ask them? They have been asked the question before in respect of suicide as basis on which to narrow the eighth amendment and they rejected it. There have been other referenda on abortion. It is perfectly in order to consult with a broad range of people who will not be selected by any party in here or by a polling company, which might say the percentage in the polls is up or down. They will be selected on the basis of objectively picking men and women in areas around the country on a very professional basis, putting together a citizens' assembly to reflect on this question and all the matters that arise from it.

This assembly, to which the people have elected party representatives and representatives who do not represent any party, will deal with the question. We do not have to accept the recommendation of the citizens' assembly, however if we want an analysis of what we might be able to do in respect of the eighth amendment, it must be decided here. We will have to vote on whether we bring forward a Bill for a referendum. The people elected must make the decision on a Bill to hold a referendum to ask the people the question or not. It is not as simple as repealing the eighth amendment of the Constitution, as the Deputy said. We speak as party leaders, and men, no more than women have an interest in the Constitution. The Deputy rightly pointed out that in the case of fatal foetal abnormalities, it is women who have to put up with the consequences of it.

See this speech in context