The principal spokesman for the Irish Episcopal Conference, Father Martin Clarke, made the following statement today: "The fact that the Government has agreed to propose a referendum is to be welcomed as the Conference has frequently expressed the view that a referendum is necessary to ensure adequate Constitutional protection for the unborn and to rectify the unsatisfactory situation created by the Supreme Court judgment in the 'X Case'.
In this regard, it is noted that there are positive features to the proposals published by the Government. However, the proposed Constitutional and legislative provisions will require serious examination and detailed consideration by the Conference.
In due course, the Conference may wish to make a formal statement on the proposals when the ethical, medical and legal implications of the measures have been fully evaluated."