Health Minister Simon Harris is set to introduce abortion legislation to the government next week following the official repeal of the 8th Amendment. 

President Michael D Higgins signed the Thirty-Sixth Amendment of the Constitution on Tuesday evening, paving the way for the legalisation of abortion in Ireland.

The May 25th referendum saw 1.42 million people in Ireland voting Yes by a 66.4% majority to Repeal the 8th Amendment. Donegal was the only constituency to vote No. All subsequent court challenges against the result were rejected.

Legislation on abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and limited circumstances thereafter will be brought before Cabinet next week and before the Dail in October.

Health Minister Harris said his work is continuing. “We now need to bring in the legislation so we can enact services to look after women with care and compassion in our own country,” Harris said.