Reilly: No 'free vote' on proposed abortion legislation
The Minister for Health James Reilly has said there is no question of a free vote for TDs on the new abortion legislation.
Mr Reilly said the Government will do all it can to accommodate people's opposing views on the issue, but he has warned it may not be possible.
Last night, Fine Gael TDs and Senators met to discuss the new legislation, and whilst the meeting is being described as calm, there are a number of members opposed to the new Bill.
Minister Reilly acknowledged that there are some within his party who have difficulties with the legislation, but he said they will be required to vote with the Government.
He said: "I have no doubt t hat there will be some in my party (who oppose the legislation) and there will be some in the Labour Party too.
"I would like to think that our debate and our discussions will continue in the calm and respectful way that they have carried on to date and that we'll be able to accommodate the vast bulk of people's concerns.
"There is no question of the whip not being applied, there will not be a free vote on this."
