Independent TD Clare Daly says the Government is facing a 'groundswell' of public opinion to hold a referendum on abortion.

Deputy Daly is calling for a referendum to repeal the 8th Amendment to be held as soon as possible.

The article, which was inserted into the Constitution in 1983, gives equal right to life to the unborn, as to that of a pregnant woman.

Last week, the Taoiseach said that no referendum on the issue should be called until a replacement article is carefully considered.

Deputy Clare Daly says the 8th Amendment should be removed and not replaced with an alternative wording:

Deputy Daly's comments come after leading Irish figures called for abortion reform after the next general election.

Famous names from the fields of literature, arts and music - including Cillian Murphy, Anne Enright, Fionnula Flanagan and John Banville - have launched a campaign to repeal the controversial amendment.