A Sinn Féin TD says the Government is failing women in this country.

The comments from Louise O'Reilly follow a highly-charged debate on abortion in the Dáil last night.

The attorney-general says a bill from Independent TD Mick Wallace, which would allow abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, is unconstitutional.

Health Minister Simon Harris said he could not accept the proposed bill.

However, he said he hoped there would be a referendum on the 8th amendment.

Independent Minister John Halligan has signalled he may support the legislation saying he "doesn't care" whether its constitutional.

While Ms O'Reilly says too many women in this country are suffering in silence.

Colm O'Gorman is the executive director of Amnesty international Ireland.

He says there needs to be another referendum on abortion here as soon as possible.

During last night's debate, Fine Gael's Dublin Bay South TD Kate O'Connell gave an emotional speech about her own personal experience with fatal foetal abnormalities.