THE JUSTICE MINISTER Alan Shatter was met by a group of demonstrators protesting against abortion outside his home today.

A spokesperson for the minister said that between 20–25 protesters gathered outside his house at approximately 8.30 am and dispersed shortly the minister he left for the European Council on Defence 2013 Seminar in Dublin Castle

The protesters were holding banners bearing anti-abortion messages and some had graphic images, the spokesperson said.

Today, the Oireactas Committee on Health is beginning round two of its public hearings on the government’s proposed new legislation on abortion, following its publication of the heads of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013.

Follow the TheJournal.ie’s live blog on the proceedings throughout the day.