THE DÁIL HAVE rejected a Sinn Féin motion that would have required the government to legislate for the X Case.
Dail members voted twice tonight: Once on removing the demand for legislation for the X Case from Sinn Féin’s motion. This was approved 88 – 53. They voted a second time on ratifying the amended version, which was approved 90-53.
The original motion called on the Government to immediately publish the report of the expert group and immediately introduce legislation to give effect to the 1992 judgment of the Supreme Court in the ‘X Case’, to protect pregnant women where their lives are in real danger and to give legal certainty to medical professionals”.
The TDs voted to remove the part of the motion calling for the introduction of legislation for the X Case. They then approved the amended motion without the mention of this legislation.
Over the past two nights, Dáil members discussed their thoughts on legislating for the X Case.
Tonight, Sinn Féin’s TD for Laois/Offaly Brian Stanley TD said:
“The eyes of the world are on Ireland, particularly on the legislators here tonight. We are having a debate and a vote that should have taken place twenty years ago. Consecutive governments have failed to legislate. The Taoiseach can no longer hide behind reports and enquiries. The government must legislate as a matter of urgency. Women of Ireland deserve no less form their government.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien said he was pro-life, but that he would set aside his own personal views as he had to face up to his own responsibilities as a legislator.
Fine Gael Deputy Michelle Mulherin said what happens now is to focus on the report of the expert group, which she urged the minister to have published as soon as possible.
ULA TD Clare Daly said that changes had been made to the abortion legislation which she tabled, and which was rejected in April, and that it will be tabled again next week. “Presumably this time you won’t have a problem supporting it,” she said of the legislation.
The Labour party noted that they were the only party to have legislating for the X Case in their manifesto.
The report of the expert group on abortion is expected to be published on Tuesday.
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