The Committee stage of the abortion legislation will continue today, with the contentious suicide clause due to be discussed.

After the government won the first vote in the Dáil, the Bill went straight into committee. 

Last night, the Health minister ruled out extending the legislation to cover fatal foetal abnormalities. He said he could not do so, on the advice of the Attorney General.

There was also a debate on term limits on terminations, but the Health minister said people were wrongly interpreting the legislation. 

Minister James Reilly says late term terminations are not allowed in legislation and that is clear:

Minister James Reilly says he can't deal with the issue of fatal foetal abnormalities:

The suicide clause has yet to be discussed in depth but Minister Reilly says it is very restrictive, "There is no question in this Bill of a situation arising where somebody could attend 2 psychiatrists in the morning and have a procedure carried out in the afternoon. That might be what some people want, but that is not what's going to happen with this Bill."

Last night's first stage vote passed the Dáil 138 / 24

Our reporter Páraic Gallagher was in Leinster House as they vote was held:

Opponents

Four Fine Gael TDs went against the first stage of the vote on the abortion legislation.

Terence Flanagan, FG, Dublin North–East spoke:

Brian Walsh is a Galway West TD for FG:

Wicklow Deputy Billy Timmins, FG, gave his reasons: 

Dublin South FG TD Peter Matthews:

Discussion of the bill in committee is not expected to conclude until tomorrow and will return to the Dáil next week where the fine Gael revolt is likely to increase.