Menu
17/12/2014
Abortion Law 'Too Restrictive' - Leo Varadkar
Ireland's abortion laws have been described as "too restrictive" by Health Minister Leo Varadkar.
Mr Varadkar was speaking in the Dáil in relation to a private members' bill tabled by Independent TD Clare Daly calling for the removal the eight amendment from current abortion legislation.
Minister Varadkar said that as health minister and a medical doctor it is his "considered view that the eight amendment is too restrictive".
He added that: "while it protects the right to life of the mother, it has no regard for her long-term health. If a stroke, heart attack, epileptic seizure happens, perhaps resulting in permanent disability as a result, then that is acceptable under our laws. I don’t think that's right."
The minister went on to describe himself as "pro-life", he said that "Ministers for Health do not just represent their own private views, they are guardians of the nation’s healthcare, and must work to protect and safeguard all of its citizens."
Addressing the Dáil Minister Varadkar expressed his support for a change in legislation, but added that government "has no mandate to change the current law".
(MH/CD)
Mr Varadkar was speaking in the Dáil in relation to a private members' bill tabled by Independent TD Clare Daly calling for the removal the eight amendment from current abortion legislation.
Minister Varadkar said that as health minister and a medical doctor it is his "considered view that the eight amendment is too restrictive".
He added that: "while it protects the right to life of the mother, it has no regard for her long-term health. If a stroke, heart attack, epileptic seizure happens, perhaps resulting in permanent disability as a result, then that is acceptable under our laws. I don’t think that's right."
The minister went on to describe himself as "pro-life", he said that "Ministers for Health do not just represent their own private views, they are guardians of the nation’s healthcare, and must work to protect and safeguard all of its citizens."
Addressing the Dáil Minister Varadkar expressed his support for a change in legislation, but added that government "has no mandate to change the current law".
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 July 2015
Health Minister Accused Of 'Manipulating' Hospital Waiting Times
Health Minister Leo Varadkar has been accused of trying to manipulate hospital waiting lists "to disguise the true scale of the crisis", Fianna Fáil's health spokesperson, Thomas Byrne, has said.
Health Minister Accused Of 'Manipulating' Hospital Waiting Times
Health Minister Leo Varadkar has been accused of trying to manipulate hospital waiting lists "to disguise the true scale of the crisis", Fianna Fáil's health spokesperson, Thomas Byrne, has said.
05 August 2015
All Patients To Receive Unique Number To Help Patient Safety
All patients using Health and Social Services care in Ireland are to receive a unique number to help patient safety, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has announced.
All Patients To Receive Unique Number To Help Patient Safety
All patients using Health and Social Services care in Ireland are to receive a unique number to help patient safety, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has announced.
04 February 2015
Govt Supports New Proposals To Tackle Alcohol Consumption
The government has signed off on new proposals by the Department of Health to cut down on alcohol consumption in Ireland to the OECD average by 2020. Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said the proposed Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 is part of a range of measures designed to reduce alcohol consumption.
Govt Supports New Proposals To Tackle Alcohol Consumption
The government has signed off on new proposals by the Department of Health to cut down on alcohol consumption in Ireland to the OECD average by 2020. Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said the proposed Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 is part of a range of measures designed to reduce alcohol consumption.
20 February 2014
Varadker Called To Act On UK Hauliers Levy
The Minister for Transport has been urged to raise the concerns of Irish hauliers with his British counterpart over a new levy on all foreign vehicles entering British soil, including Northern Ireland.
Varadker Called To Act On UK Hauliers Levy
The Minister for Transport has been urged to raise the concerns of Irish hauliers with his British counterpart over a new levy on all foreign vehicles entering British soil, including Northern Ireland.
19 January 2015
'I Am A Gay Man' - Health Minister Leo Varadkar
The Minister for Health, has publicly revealed that he is gay. Minister Leo Varadkar made the statement during an interview with RTÉ Radio, saying that he had chosen to speak publicly in order to fully support the government's referendum on marriage equality.
'I Am A Gay Man' - Health Minister Leo Varadkar
The Minister for Health, has publicly revealed that he is gay. Minister Leo Varadkar made the statement during an interview with RTÉ Radio, saying that he had chosen to speak publicly in order to fully support the government's referendum on marriage equality.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
