The Irish Catholic Bishops Conference is seeking legal advice on the proposed abortion legislation.

They have described the bill as "an aggressive attack on religious freedom in our society", because it would impose a duty to provide abortions on Catholic hospitals and those who share their beliefs.

The bishops are supporting a national vigil of prayer for mothers and their unborn babies, which will take place at Knock shrine this afternoon. It will be attend by the Catholic Primate of All Ireland, Sean Brady. 

Spokesperson for the Catholic Bishops Conference, Father Tim Bartlett says the event had been planned for some time: