Minister for Children Katherine Zappone is planning to vote against a motion to repeal the constitutional ban on abortion.

The motion is to be brought forward by Ruth Coppinger of the AAA/PBP next week.

Zappone, who has previously voiced her support for the Repeal the Eighth campaign, has reportedly told constituents in Dublin South West that the matter should be left to the Citizens’ Assembly, according to the Sunday Times.

The Assembly met for the first time on Saturday at Dublin Castle.

One-hundred people from across Ireland have been randomly selected to represent the Assembly, which will examine potential changes to Ireland’s abortion laws.

It comprises of 52 women and 48 men, and will be chaired by Supreme Court judge Mary Laffoy.

The next meeting will take place on November 25 in the Grand Hotel in Malahide, at which time it will consider the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.

“I believe women should have the right to make their own reproductive choices. A Citizens’ Assembly…will be the fastest way to achieve our goal as, through its work, it shines a light on the human stories at the heart of this issue. This way of building support is tried and tested, and delivered marriage equality,” Zappone told a pro-choice voter who emailed her office.

Online Editors