Vote marks significant staging post on journey to repeal 8th amendment

Labour Party Leader, Brendan Howlin has welcomed the outcome of the second stage vote on the Referendum Bill to repeal the 8th amendment to the constitution.

Deputy Howlin said:

“This is undoubtedly a historic day but while a significant milestone it doesn’t mark the end of the journey. We will have a referendum now that we need to win and I look forward to the bill swiftly moving through the Oireachtas.

“Labour will campaign on this referendum as a party. We will put compassion for families that find themselves in difficult positions at the heart of the campaign.

“We will reiterate the right of Irish women to have modern healthcare available at home.

“We will do so with determination and dignity but we will respect those who hold different views that will be held as firmly as we hold ours.  Ultimately, the Irish people deserve a debate that will inform not repulse them.”