The Minister for Health Mr Martin this evening gave the clearest indication yet that the Government will hold an Autumn referendum on abortion.
Speaking in the wake of an at comments made by An Tánaiste, Ms Harney, which appeared to cast doubt over the possibility, Mr Michael Martin said it was "more than likely" that an Autumn referendum on abortion would be held.
He added that the Ministerial Group on Abortion, which he chairs, would be delivering its report "in the near future".
In an interview in the Irish Independentthis morning, Ms Harney said she believes a rushed debate on abortion would be "bitter" and "divisive" and that an extensive public information campaign would be required before the matter could be put before the country.Independent TD Mr Harry Blaney has expressed dismay at comments made by the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, which appeared to cast doubt over the possibility of an Autumn referendum on abortion. "If it's not in the Autumn, then it won't be at all," he said.
This has caused concern the poll may be shelved for a number of years if an election is called, or forced, before late Spring.
Mr Blaney said a referendum was a condition of the Independents' support for the Government and that he would be "putting every pressure on" to ensure the commitment was honoured.
Mr Blaney said the Taoiseach stated recently he would be taking soundings from his party this summer over when to call a general election and there was still a possibility it would be this year despite indications that an April date is the favoured option.
Another Independent, Mr Thomas Gildea, said he agreed that a full debate is needed but added it could take place after September and leave time for a vote before the end of the year.
"The aspiration of An Tánaiste could be achieved in a matter of weeks, thereby allowing for the proposed referendum on abortion," Ms Gwen Breslin, a spokeswoman for Mr Gildea told ireland.com.
However, the Tánaiste got qualified support for her position today from Mr Jackie Healy-Rae who said that if time for proper debate could not be found then the referendum should be deferred - until after the next general election if necessary.
"Bertie Ahern has told us without a shadow of a doubt that he intended to hold an abortion referendum before the next general election," the Kerry South Independent told ireland.com today.
But he warned against rushing the debate and public information campaign. "We don’t want the Government to do the same type of job as they did for the Nice Treaty. No job is better than a bad job," he said.
Mr Blaney said he would be consulting his Independent colleagues over what strategy to pursue and refused to comment on whether he was prepared to withdraw his support of the minority coalition over the issue.
Both pro-life and anti-abortion lobbies are keen for a referendum as a result of the ruling by the Supreme Court in 1992 allowing abortion in certain circumstances.
A report by an Oireachtas committee that heard submissions from both lobbies is in the hands of a Cabinet sub-committee but it has not been confirmed whether it will come before the Cabinet prior to the summer break.