The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, challenged the assertion by 10 consultant psychiatrists that a total ban on abortion on the grounds of suicide would endanger the lives of some vulnerable women.

He said those who argued that psychiatric illness should not be treated differently from other medical conditions were overlooking the fact that with other conditions the issue was that of life rather than the health of the mother. "It is all too clear from other places that, in the area of mental health, tests compatibl

Ms Frances Fitzgerald (FG, Dublin South-East) said that was not true in Northern Ireland.

Mr Ahern said: "That is my argument and my view. It does not have to be the view of other people and they do not need to shout me down. But I am entitled to my view. It is the reality that people have to consider and reflect on when deciding how to vote on this referendum. There are two different views."

Mr Jim O'Keeffe (FG, Cork South-West) said: "Doctors differ and patients die."

Mr Ahern replied: "In response to Deputy O'Keeffe's rather ill-informed position, we are trying to make sure there is medical and legal certainty for the doctors for the first time since 1861. This is why the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and so many other eminent people, support this proposal."

Earlier, the Labour leader, Mr Ruairí Quinn, said that the Taoiseach should explain why he found himself in conflict with the compassion of the courts, which could extend a suspended sentence, on appeal, to a child abuser, on the grounds that he might be suicidal. Mr Ahern wanted to remove the same kind of compassion from the discretion of the courts to the victim of that abuser, who herself might be suicidal.

"What kind of Republic is this that comes down in favour of the abuser and against the plight of the victim? Is this the kind of Ireland the Taoiseach wants to see for young women in the 21st century? What kind of Republic is that? Where is the choice for the victim?"