Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is another distressing case, one of many that have come to light during the years. I would like the Deputy to understand that I listened to the women involved very carefully in the case of the Magdalen laundries, an issue which had gone on for over 60 years and nobody had done anything about it. I listened to women as part of the LGBT group who expressed the fear, loathing and frustration they felt because of the lack of courage shown by all previous Governments in dealing with the marriage issue. Together with our colleagues in government, I allowed for the people to make their decision in a referendum.

In this case I have read the report and this morning informed the Cabinet that I would bring a memo to the Government next week to initiate the citizens' assembly to which I had committed in the programme for Government to be set up within six months of the Government being formed. I intend to bring the memo to the Cabinet next week and the first item to be reflected on by the citizens' assembly will be the eighth amendment. It would be pointless to rush into a constitutional referendum unless there was a realistic consensus on whatever change might be recommended. It is prudent and proper for ordinary people from around the country, based on geography, gender, age and so on, to be involved in giving their reflections on the issue that has arisen in the Mellet case and many others. The Deputy is aware that where a woman travels abroad to procure an abortion, the HSE provides post-abortion medical and counselling services and the crisis pregnancy programme also has an input. I committed in the programme for Government to having a citizens' assembly up and running within six months and we will bring the memo to the Government next week. Whatever emerges from it will be brought to this House and an Oireachtas committee with access to appropriate expertise. From this will come recommendations on whether to change. If there is consensus and people have to vote, they will have the right to vote according to their conscience. That is a process I do not want to see delayed into the far future, as some people allege. These are serious and sensitive matters that need to be reflected on. I will set up the assembly. Its first point of reflection will be the eighth amendment.

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