The Communications Minister is dismissing the possibility of substantive amendments to the abortion legislation. The comments from Pat Rabbitte come following a call from the European Affairs Minister for changes to the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.
Lucinda Creighton says she is deeply concerned about the inclusion of a suicide clause which she wants omitted. The Fine Gael TD wants a term limit for terminations as a minimum and legal representation for unborn children.
Four Fine Gael TDs - Peter Matthews, Brian Walsh, Billy Timmins and Terence Flanagan - have already vowed to vote against the legislation. Sources in the party say if they do they will not be re-admitted before the next general election.
The Junior Minister told the Dáil that she wants to continue working in government to fix the economy but she must consult her conscience when it comes to a vote on this legislation.
However Minister Rabbitte says substantial amendments to the Bill are not realistic. He told Lunchtime here on Newstalk how likely large changes to the Bill were.
Watch LIVE Dail coverage of the debate below:
