The Taoiseach Enda Kenny says he will not abolish the 8th amendment, without considering what may replace it.

Mr Kenny is also refusing to commit at this stage to holding a referendum in the lifetime of the next government.

He says he has no intention of introducing abortion on demand in Ireland.

It is estimated that more than 4,000 women travel abroad for a termination every year.

Since 1971, Amnesty says at least 177,000 women and girls have left Ireland to seek an abortion. 

But it adds that the actual figure may be higher.

A Red C poll from July, commissioned by Amnesty International, showed one in five people thought travelling abroad for an abortion is not especially traumatic for a woman.