Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The people's decision was loud and clear. We in this Government and this House have heard what they had to say; we want a modern Constitution for a modern people, a Constitution that says we trust women and respect their decisions and choices when it comes to their own healthcare. It is now our responsibility as a Government and Parliament to give effect to the will of the people.

The legislation that has been proposed and that is now being prepared by the Minister, Deputy Simon Harris - he was authorised by Cabinet today to prepare it as a priority - will repeal the 1995 abortion information Act. It is our intention, all things going to plan with the best efforts and the best people working on it, to have that legislation on the floor of the House before the summer recess, so in six or seven weeks' time. That legislation will repeal the abortion information Act, which is important because it will allow doctors to refer women to clinics in England and elsewhere, at least during the period while we set up the new arrangements for this State. We are open to considering the possibility of repealing that legislation as a discrete move or as a first move, which I understand is the proposal the Deputy is making.

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