Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is in Irish women's interests that we move forward with this issue and consider the legislative approach we want to take. We have a bad history when it comes to women's reproductive rights. Quite clearly, we are at a point where further and detailed discussion is needed. As I said, no country in the world finds it easy to decide on the exact parameters around this issue or how it should be approached.

Clearly, the Government has set in motion an approach which involves a Dáil committee and will involve representatives of every Member across the House. It behoves every Member on this committee to come back to the Dáil, so decisions can be taken. There is a timeframe of a number of months for this committee. At that point then, the Government will take an overall approach.

My own belief, as I have often stated, is that the Constitution is not the place to deal with these complex issues. I believe a referendum should be held as early as possible.

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