Burton calls for referendum on the Eighth Amendment in early 2018

Labour TD Joan Burton has welcomed comments made by the Taoiseach in the Dáil today that he would be open to holding a referendum on the Eighth Amendment in early 2018.

Taoiseach Varadkar was responding to a question from Deputy Burton on his referenda priority for the coming period.

Deputy Burton said:

“Today in the Dáil I put to the Taoiseach that the best time to have a referendum on the Eighth Amendment would be in the first half of 2018, for example sometime between the end of March to the middle of June, preferably before the Pope’s visit.

“This would take into account the very detailed preparation which has to go into a constitutional referendum, as well allowing time for the Oireachtas Committee to complete its work.

“While the Taoiseach said he couldn’t make any promises on the issue, I very much welcome his response that he too would favour holding a referendum in the first half of 2018.

“The Labour Party is calling for the Eighth Amendment to be repealed; people deserve the opportunity to have their say in a referendum as early as possible.”