The Tánaiste has ruled out any referendum on abortion in the lifetime of this government.

Joan Burton says the programme for government included a promise to legislate for the 'X Case' but nothing more.

She was responding to comments from a UN committee, which says Ireland's denying human rights to women by denying them an abortion in cases of rape or incest.

The Human Rights Council considered whether Ireland was doing enough to guarantee the human rights of all its citizens.

It heard from various lobby groups, ahead of Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald's submission.

The Irish Family Planning Association have said the new Irish laws on abortion still leave us far behind international standards.

Joan Burton says she is personally in favour of a more liberal abortion law - but that this government will not allow one.