Court actions on abortion referendum may spell difficulty for Government

The Dáil and Seanad resumed yesterday from a week-long break allowing our parliamentarians time to digest the results of the referendum on the Eighth Amendment.

While they recuperated from a very intense and difficult campaign, a number of citizens made their way to the High Court to challenge the result of that referendum.

For various reasons, the citizens have raised concerns about the process that led to 66 per cent of the population supporting repeal of the Eighth Amendment.

The cases are to be heard at the end of June, which may spell difficulty for the Government and its commitment to have the legislation passed by the autumn.

Sinn Féin branches seek ‘vote of conscience’ on abortion law

---

Women take to Belfast streets for equality and respect

---

Government expects to design ‘opt-in’ GP system for abortion

---

Abortion: Taoiseach says around 60 GPs can provide service

---

It is likely the High Court will not grant leave to challenge the referendum result but this may be appealed to the Supreme Court.

Asked about this in the Dáil yesterday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was unclear as to whether legislation to implement the decision of the people can even be introduced in the Dáil while the courts consider the applications.

The Government has been clear the Bill will be considered in July, debated in the Dáil at the end of the month and passed by October.

The actions in the courts will play a significant role in determining when the law can be considered by the Oireachtas and may decide when the legislation is enacted.

CervicalCheck

The revelation that the Health Service Executive and other organisations have delayed sending documentation to an independent inquiry came in for criticism yesterday.

Political leaders and the leadership within the health service pledged full co-operation but it is clear that has not been forthcoming.

More than 4,000 documents were received four weeks after the inquiry was established and more correspondence is expected to be sent to the investigation within a manner of weeks.

The delay has caused frustration among many of the women affected, some who do not have an abundance of time on their side.

Political pressure is likely to increase on Minister for Health Simon Harris to ensure the women affected are assisted, financially and emotionally.

Mr Harris also must ensure there is no impediment to Dr Gabriel Scally’s work, not least from his own Department.