History of the Republic of Ireland and secular-minded people, urban and rural, middle and working classes. Issues such as divorce, contraception and homosexuality have since become accepted by many and have ceased to be matters of serious political debate. However, legalising abortion remained controversial. Opinion poll evidence on the subject of abortion is mixed. On May 25, 2018 Ireland voted to repeal the ban on abortion. Legislation is expected by the end of the year to allow abortion on demand up to 12 weeks and under restrictions after that. In 2015, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage by means of
Members of the 23rd Seanad Members of the 23rd Seanad This is a list of the members of the 23rd Seanad Éireann, the upper house of the Oireachtas (legislature) of Ireland. These Senators were elected from 24 July 2007 onwards after postal voting closed. The Taoiseach's nominees were announced on 3 August 2007. The Seanad election took place after the 2007 general election for the Dáil. The term of the 23rd Seanad was from 24 July 2007 to 25 April 2011. The 23rd Seanad first met at Leinster House on 13 September 2007. Pat Moylan was elected as the new Cathaoirleach of the Seanad. There