The Minister for Health James Reilly has said there is no question of a free vote for TDs on the new abortion legislation.

Minister Reilly said the Government will do all it can to accomodate people's opposing views on the issue but he has warned it "may not be possible".

Last night, the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party met to discuss the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill. It was described as a "calm" and "constructive" discussion, however there was a disagreement between Minister Reilly and the Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton, who has made her concerns about the new laws known.

Speaking at the launch of Melanoma Awareness Month, Minister Reilly said he has "no doubt" that there are people within his own party who have difficulties with the legislation but he said they will be required to vote with the Government, and there is "no question of the whip not being applied".