The Minister for Children says it is up to the President to decide if he wants to refer the new abortion legislation to the Supreme Court.

The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill is beginning its passage through the Seanad today.

There have been calls for President Michael D. Higgins to exercise his right to refer the Bill to the Supreme Court to check its constitutionality.

If the Bill is ruled Constitutional by the Supreme Court it cannot be challenged again.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald says it is a matter for President Higgins.

The Bill will come before the Seanad today after passing through the Dáil on Thursday night.

If  it is defeated it may be returned to the Dáil for another vote, tightening the window the government has to pass it before the summer recess.

Members of Seanad Éireann have warned however that they will be seeking amendments.

Yesterday Senator John Crowne claimed he wants to remove the clause which sets down a maximum jail sentence of 14 years for those who procure abortions.

And now Senator Fidelma Healy-Eames says she will try to call a halt to the Bill completely.