Minister of Health Simon Harris has received advice from Attorney General Máire Whelan that Independent TD Mick Wallace's bill to allow terminations of pregnancies in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities is unconstitutional.
Mr Harris said it would not be a surprise as the bill was similar to Clare Daly's bill that was debated last year.
He said he would discuss the issue with his Government colleagues.
Meanwhile, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald said it is important that all ministers support the Programme for Government, which states that a Citizens' Assembly will be set up to discuss the issue of the Eight Amendment to the Constitution.
