Skip to content
Support Us

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Pro-Life protester outside Leinster House Photocall Ireland!

Dáil to debate abortion laws for up to eight hours today

Just one item on the agenda today – the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013.

TDS ARE IN for an exhausting schedule at Leinster House today with eight hours set aside for a debate on the proposed laws which would allow for legal abortions in Ireland in specific circumstances.

The Dáil sits from 11am to 7pm and there is just one item on the agenda, the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013.

Each deputy will be afforded speaking time on the proposed legislation throughout the day. It is expected that all members will have spoken by 7pm which paves the way for a first vote to be held late on Tuesday (after 5pm).

What do we know so far?

At least 14 TDs have indicated that they will oppose the bill in the first vote, which will be held tomorrow as long as all TDs have been afforded speaking time.

Earlier this year, three independents – Michael Healy-Rae, Noel Grealish, and Mattie McGrath – confirmed they would not be supporting the legislation.

They were soon followed by Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín, former Labour deputy Colm Keaveney and four Fine Gael members Brian Walsh, Peter Mathews, Billy Timmins and Terence Flanagan.

Six Fianna Fáil TDs have also signalled their intention to vote against the Bill. Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath, the chair of the Public Accounts Committee John McGuinness, former Ceann Comhairle Seamus Kirk, Mayo TD Dara Calleary, Wexford deputy John Browne and former deputy leader Éamon Ó Cuiv are also opposing the legislation.

The figures mean there is sufficient opposition to force a vote (at least 10 deputies are required to ensure ballots are cast on an issue in the chamber).

Six children in state care taken abroad for abortions since 1992

Billboard company discontinues Youth Defence campaign after Rape Crisis Centre incident

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
132 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Prince of Burren
    Favourite Prince of Burren
    Report
    Feb 21st 2014, 6:41 AM

    I think there is a new movement started in Clare called Independents together which encourages like minded people to have a voice in the running of our country. They are insistent that they are not a political party and nothing to do with Lucinda and co. I believe they have recruited candidates to run in the local elections,which is great , because people don’t know which way to vote now that they have seen the corruption of the last Gover. And the failure of this one to correct it.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute david oconnor
    Favourite david oconnor
    Report
    Feb 21st 2014, 8:05 AM

    What does new political movement actually mean to the person on the street I real terms… No property tax, no water charges, no a and e issues. Will we still have 166 tds on 100k a year plus expenses and advisors etc etc

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute tony keely
    Favourite tony keely
    Report
    Feb 21st 2014, 8:01 AM

    A lot of these “new politicians” are also teachers with many of the taking a career break to do the honourable thing and return our country back to the people, we have had enough of teachers as they will upon getting elected receive their two pensions …..if they want to get elected resign from being a teacher before you want to be a politician that will endure you more to the people….

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute david oconnor
    Favourite david oconnor
    Report
    Feb 21st 2014, 7:55 AM

    I think the word independent in independent td is being diluted

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute StephenEganPolitics
    Favourite StephenEganPolitics
    Report
    Feb 21st 2014, 6:45 AM

    Great. If anyone needs any typesetting done, they know where to go. Do they advise on “photo air brushing ” etc.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jeremy Usbourne
    Favourite Jeremy Usbourne
    Report
    Feb 21st 2014, 8:29 AM

    Not sure if Donnelly will be involved.
    He is already part of the technical group.
    So do in this won’t change his impact.

    Seems rather pointless TBH

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Cole
    Favourite Paddy Cole
    Report
    Feb 21st 2014, 12:54 PM

    Any vehicle that has Shane Ross and Pat Nulty in it is as attention seeking as it is utterly useless

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Houlihan
    Favourite Brian Houlihan
    Report
    Feb 21st 2014, 9:44 AM
    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute steve white
    Favourite steve white
    Report
    Feb 21st 2014, 8:11 PM

    the independent thought united vision doc is nice and vague, not sure the community orgs they mention are progressive

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.