Update 5.09pm: The date for the abortion referendum has been set for Friday, May 25. The abortion referendum Bill was passed in the Seanad this afternoon. Update 4.31pm: Seanad passes abortion referendum BillThe abortion referendum Bill has passed in the Seanad, meaning that a vote on the 8th amendment will happen this year. Update 2.20pm: Former Tánaiste Michael McDowell argues in favour of repeal as abortion bill reaches final stagesThe final stages of the abortion referendum bill is being debated in the Seanad this afternoon. Earlier: Attorney General to consider giving future abortion laws special statusThe Attorney General has been asked to look at ways to make sure, if abortion laws are ever re-visited in the future, they would get more scrutiny than regular legislation.

Source: Evening echo March 28, 2018 09:33 UTC