17/10/2016

Sinn Féin Reiterates Call For Referendum On Eight Amendment

Sinn Féin has reiterated its call for the Eight Amendment to be repealed and for the enactment of legislation to allow for terminations in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, rape and incest.

Making the call the party's Health Spokesperson Louise O'Reilly TD, said: "Sinn Fein will campaign for the repeal of Eight Amendment and for legislation to be enacted to allow for terminations in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, rape and incest.

"The matter must be put to the people in a referendum.

'While I wish the members of the Assembly well in their deliberations, the government's structuring of the initiative has rendered it an unnecessary exercise. It is departure from the broad inclusivity of the Constitutional Convention format, which worked well.

"A real Citizens' Assembly is the one that is elected by the people, not selected by a polling company.

"Sadly, this assembly will be seen as another tactic designed to delay the holding of a referendum.  

"The Taoiseach has promised swift action but the reality is that recommendations from the Constitutional Convention, convened by his previous administration, were never acted upon.

"Women are waiting for this legislation and the majority will be angered by having to wait even longer.

"The people have a right to their say on the issue of the Eight Amendment. The government and Fianna Fáil seem determined to delay that right.

"Sinn Féin's position is clear - there must be a referendum. We are calling for the repeal of the Eight Amendment and the enactment of the necessary legislation."

(MH/CD)

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