A strong majority within the Citizen's Assembly has voted in favour of changing the country's abortion laws.
87 per cent of the Assembly members voted that Article 40.3.3 of the constitution should not be retained in full.
The article, known as the Eighth Amendment, gives the unborn child the equal right to life to that of the mother.
If the result of the vote is implemented by the Government, there will have to be a referendum to change the constitution.
The Assembly will vote on a second ballot this afternoon.
Chair of the Citizens’ Assembly Ms Justice Mary Laffoy has just explained to Assembly members that they will be voting on whether the Eighth Amendment should be repealed (deleted) from the constitution or replaced/amended.
