The 8th Amendment has now officially been consigned to the distressingly large folder marked 'dark and shameful parts of Irish history' after it was repealed by Michael D yesterday.
It was announced yesterday evening that the 8th Amendment had officially been repealed by the President, with the 36th Amendment to the constitution being signed into law.
The 36th Amendment will allow the Oireachtas to legislate for abortion, pending a bill that is to be brought before the Cabinet next week, and then later the Dáil, by Health Minister Simon Harris.
In accordance with Article 46 of the Constitution, President Higgins today signed the Thirty-Sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2018, and it has accordingly become law.
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) September 18, 2018
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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has reiterated his stance that the government is confident that there will be abortion services available by January 2019.
The delay to the 8th Amendment being removed from the constitution was due to several legal challenges which had been brought against the resultrs of the referendum by various citizens. All of these cases that were filed have subsequently been dismissed, finally allowing the signing of the bill.
