Abortion poll hint

A subcommittee which has studied the abortion issue for a year could be ready to offer a list of options to the Cabinet by the end of the month, the Minister for Health said yesterday.

On RTE's Six One news, in the wake of remarks by the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, Mr Martin said: "Yes, I would hope to be in a position to do that. Obviously, that is subject to a number of ongoing consultations that I am engaged in with my colleagues, drafting and so forth, but that is the target."

The ministerial subcommittee chaired by Mr Martin also comprises Mr O'Donoghue, Ms O'Rourke, Mr Cowen and Ms Liz O'Donnell.

Mr Martin referred twice to the commitment given by Mr Ahern before the last general election to have a referendum during the lifetime of this Dail. "The Taoiseach is anxious that we would bring the issue to some conclusion now," he said.

Asked if it could happen in the autumn, the Minister said it "would be possible" between now and the end of the year.

"So, there is still a journey to travel yet. But the commitment is there to pursue the issue. We are not holding back on it, in terms of trying to dodge issues. They are going to be difficult.

"There is no point in denying that. But, none the less, I think we have an obligation to put these issues before the people."