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

In answer to Deputy Catherine Murphy's question first, we are working on the regulations and the clinical guidelines. The intention is to make abortion services available to Irish women from January next year. We are working on the regulations, guidelines, funding models and all the things that must be put in place in order that the services can be provided from January. It is our intention to introduce the legislation in September but obviously what happens in the courts is well beyond my remit. It is best that we allow the judges in the High Court - and if there is an appeal the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court - to make their decisions without any pressure from us in this House. Hopefully they will hear the case and the appeal, if there is an appeal, as quickly as possible.

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