The Transport Minister has said there is no need for a referendum on the new abortion legislation.
It comes following reports that a group of Government and opposition TDs are hoping to use the Constitution to bring the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill to a referendum.
Under Article 27, the President can refuse to sign the Bill – if he is petitioned by at least 55 TDs and 30 Senators.
But Leo Varadkar says a referendum is not the way to deal with the issue and that legislation is needed.
Among the deputies hoping to win enough support to bring the Bill to a vote is former Labour Party Chairman Colm Keaveney.
He says the group wants the people to have a say in the legislation and that it’s passing should not be left to the party whip system.
