A Cabinet minister says the government is "reflecting" on whether abortion should be permitted in cases of rape.

James Reilly says abortion laws from last year are being monitored and could be amended if it is deemed necessary.

He was speaking ahead of a cabinet discussion on the case of 'Ms Y' - an asylum seeker who was denied an abortion after being raped.

Mr Reilly was responsible for introducing the laws last year.

He says the government is mindful of women who fall pregnant after being raped.

The Cabinet is holding its first meeting since the summer break. 

The Health Minister Leo Varadkar is due to give his fellow ministers a report on the claim that the rape victim, who was expressing suicidal thoughts, was denied an abortion.

Ministers will also discuss the future of Ireland's participation in a United Nations mission in the Golan Heights.

Some budgetary discussions will also take place off the back of exchequer returns yesterday, while Tánaiste Joan Burton has asked for an update on the housing delivery programme.