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No decision from Fianna Fáil on abortion vote

Following an afternoon meeting, the party said it would not make a decision on legislative proposals.

FIANNA FÁIL HAS yet to decide whether to support or oppose the government’s proposed abortion legislation.

During a four-and-a-half hour meeting today, each member of the parliamentary party was given an opportunity to express their views on the newly-published heads of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013.

A spokesperson for the party told TheJournal.ie that the debate was “very respectful and considered”.

An agreement was reached that health spokesperson Billy Kelleher would put forward the various views of party members during the Oireachtas committee hearings on the legislation later this month.

A decision will then be taken by the party on whether to support the legislation. Earlier today, the Health Committee said they will hold three days of hearings, finishing the 21 May.

Although some reports indicate that the leadership wants to support the bill, Micheál Martin told TheJournal.ie earlier this year that the party has an issue with including the risk of suicide in any legislation for the X Case.

More: ‘Professional experts’ only to be called for hearings on abortion bill

‘We have an issue with suicidal risk in abortion legislation’ – Micheál Martin

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Sinead O'Carroll
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