The Master of the National Maternity Hospital says 2 obstetricians and 2 expert psychiatrists would give a reasonable opinion on whether or not a pregnant woman is at risk of suicide.

It is reported the government may have to delay the publication of draft legislation on abortion tomorrow because of a serious rift between the coalition on the issue of suicide.

Newspaper reports yesterday suggested up to 6 doctors would be required to assess if a threat of suicide represented a real risk to the woman's life.

The Sunday Times reported Labour ministers had rejected the first draft of the Bill. Earlier this month some Fine Gael TDs recommended a sunset clause be included in the legislation which would allow for the law to be renewed and altered at a later date.

Speaking in Luxembourg this morning the Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said they intend to have this legislation through by the summer deadline.

The Master of Holles Street Maternity Hospital is Dr. Rhona Mahony. She told Breakfast here on Newstalk that only a small percentage of women who wish to terminate their pregnancy express suicide ideation.