The framework for a new constitutional referendum on abortion is being considered by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, who has received a draft copy of the report of the all-party Committee on the Constitution on the issue.
Government sources said it had still not been decided whether any proposals would be included which could reverse the 1992 Supreme Court judgment which allowed abortion in limited circumstances where there was a serious threat to the life of the mother, including the threat of suicide.
This could not be decided in advance of the final report of the all-party committee, the sources said.
The Taoiseach has said in the past that there should be a referendum, but he has not said what the wording of that referendum would be.
It is understood he is now considering publishing any legislation on abortion and putting it to the people in tandem with a referendum.
The Committee on the Constitution is currently completing its report, which it will shortly send to the Cabinet sub-committee on abortion, which will then make recommendations to the Government. It is understood the report will be sent to party leaders at the same time.
The committee's chairman, Mr Brian Lenihan, said yesterday he did not wish to make any comment other than to say that he was attempting to achieve all-party consensus on the matter.
He said he had sent a draft copy of his committee's report to the Taoiseach last month and denied that, as a result, any changes had been made to it. At present, the parties were negotiating a final draft, he said.
Sources close to the committee said there was no definite wording on any of the options, but what was currently drafted "held elements of a wording". However, none apparently adds up to legislation specifically excluding abortion on the grounds of a suicide threat.
According to Government sources, the manner of progressing the matter would copper fasten the right to life of the mother in the event of an ectopic pregnancy or cancer.
A spokesman for the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, said last night that she had no comment to make on what approach should be taken regarding the 1992 Supreme Court judgment. "We are awaiting the final report from the committee. At that stage, we will take into account the options which it outlines."
A "pro-life" abortion referendum is being actively pursued by three of the four Independent TDs who support the Government, Ms Mildred Fox, Mr Harry Blaney and Mr Thomas Gildea.