The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is calling for greater access to and the decriminalisation of abortion.

Representatives from the human rights watchdog are appearing before the Abortion Committee in the Dail.

The Committee is examining the findings of the Citizens Assembly, the majority of which called for abortion without restriction up to 12 weeks.

Professor Siobhan Mullally from the IHREC says laws should also be passed decriminalising abortion;

There have been disputes over language and terminology as well as the use of questionable facts at the Abortion Committee.

It's been hearing from rights experts on the legality of abortion in other countries and possible changes to legislation here.

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission wants abortion decriminalised.

Louth TD for Fine Gael told the Commitee he fears what he called abortion on demand;

But Senator Lynn Ruane took issue with Deputy Fitzpatrick's comments;