TV3 PLANS TO broadcast a debate on the issue of abortion tomorrow night.

Among the speakers will be writers for the Irish Times and Irish Independent, as well as a patron of the Iona Institute and a Labour Senator.

Arguing against legislating for the X Case will be:

• Breda O’Brien, Patron of the Iona Institute and columnist with the Irish Times
• William Binchy, Regius Professor of Laws at Trinity College & Legal Advisor to the pro-life campaign

Arguing in favour of legislating for the X Case will be:

• Dearbhail McDonald, Legal Affairs Editor at the Irish Independent
• Ivana Bacik, Labour Senator and Reid Professor of Criminal Law, Trinity College

The debate will be pre-recorded at 8pm and broadcast at 10pm on TV3.

The debate comes the same day that the Expert Group report on the A, B and C case is presented to Cabinet. Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, will present the report tomorrow. According to what has been seen in purportedly leaked copies, the report puts forward a number of recommendations, including primary legislation; the issuing of guidelines without primary legislation; legislation alone; or legislation plus regulations.

The government will put an Action Plan to the Council of Europe on the issue on 30 November.

- Additional reporting Aoife Barry

Read: Govt to give Council of Europe ‘action plan’ on abortion report by 30 Nov>