Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

There is no Order of Business, which is unfortunate, but I again wish to raise the matter of the referendum to repeal the eighth amendment. It is still completely unclear as to when the debate on the relevant Bill will commence. This is one of the most anticipated and eagerly awaited Bills for years. Winning the referendum will be one thing but the least the Government could do is ensure that it is held at the right time.

The necessity of waiting for the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling was arguable, but that is fine. While the right to vote on this issue is awaited eagerly by an entire generation there is, unfortunately, a small cohort in this Dáil who will do everything to delay that democratic right. This is people's fear: that this cohort will delay the Bill and that little time will be left to debate it. I would argue that to bring the referendum back on course for May 25, the debate on the Bill should commence in the Dáil tomorrow. There is absolutely no reason why that should not happen.

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