The Attorney-General has categorically ruled out abortion in Ireland in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, according to reports.

The Cabinet received legal advice on the issue last week, ahead of a vote on a new bill proposed by Clare Daly. The bill was ultimately defeated by 104 votes to 20.

But the Sunday Business Post says that the advice given by the Attorney-General states that where a baby is capable of being born alive "it is quite clear that Article 40.3.3 is engaged".

This relates to a provision of the 8th amendment in the Constitution, which guarantees the equal right to life of the unborn.

The paper says the advice, which it has seen, leaves no room for doubt that the bill proposed by Ms Daly is in conflict with the Constitution.

The advice also notes that there is no agreement on what constitutes a fatal foetal abnormality.

It adds that even in cases where a baby would die after a short period, the protection from Article 40.3.3 still applies.

The advice seems to suggest that only a constitutional referendum would change this.

Deride Conroy traveled for a termination for medical reasons while she was pregnant in 2002.

She subsequently took her case to the European Court of Human Rights.

She says in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, women should be given the choice to have a termination in Ireland.

The proposals from Deputy Daly would have allowed for abortion when a fatal foetal abnormality has been diagnosed, and two doctors were in agreement.

She, along other TDs, spoke ahead of the vote on Tuesday: