Zappone says abortion referendum should happen before next spring

The Children's Minister says a referendum on abortion should take place by next spring, at the latest - and any delay would be a betrayal of women's rights.

An all-party Oireachtas committee will be established shortly to consider a recommendation from the Citizens Assembly - on reforming Ireland's abortion laws. Meanwhile, the TD who could represent Fine Gael on that committee has expressed concerns about a proposed restriction on abortion at the 12-week stage. Kate O'Connell says her personal preference would be 8-10 weeks.