The Minister for Health, Mr Martin, today called the Dutch abortion ship - due to arrive in Dublin this week -a "publicity stunt". He said the ship would be bound by Irish law while in Irish waters.
Bad weather has delayed the arrival in Dublin of the medical ship which has facilities for carrying out on-board abortions, a spokeswoman for the organisers said tonight.
The Aurora- also called the Sea of Change - set sail from a Dutch port on Monday but may not arrive until Friday.
When it arrives, it will sail into controversy with pro-life activists planning protests against its plans to offer contraceptives, family planning information and "safe, legal abortions" outside Irish territorial waters "where medically appropriate".
Meanwhile, it has emerged staff from the Amsterdam-based Women on Waves Foundation could face four-and-a-half years in prison and a hefty fine if they administer the abortion pill to pregnant women.
The Aurorais due to dock at Dublin's Sir John Rogerson's Quay and it is reported the crew may be issued with bullet-proof vests to protect them against possible militant anti-abortion activity.
It is later due to visit Cork and other Irish ports.
A spokeswoman said: "The ship is now delayed because of rough seas and bad weather. The welcoming rally has been moved to Friday."
PA