Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I commend, in particular, the chair of the committee, Senator Noone, on doing a very fine job. My colleague, Deputy Jan O’Sullivan, proposed that the repeal simpliciter approach be recommended when the committee made its final deliberations. I commend her on doing so. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan is someone who was politicised by the 1983 referendum and it is appropriate that she moved the proposal in question.

The Labour Party has supported repealing the eighth amendment for a long time. The party opposed the amendment in 1983. I recall the efforts of Mary Robinson, my colleague beside me, Deputy Burton, Senator Bacik and many others, among whom I include Eamon Gilmore and Deputy Howlin.

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