There are fresh calls for a referendum on abortion, with a new campaign group urging a repeal of the eighth amendment giving an equal right to the life of a pregnant woman and the unborn child.

The Minister for Health James Reilly says it is his understanding that it is not possible to allow abortions in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities under the Constitution.

A number of Fine Gael backbenchers are urging James Reilly, the health minister, to examine legal advice which says that allowing abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities would be compatible with the Constitution.

A group of cross-party TDs and senators plans to table an amendment to proposed abortion legislation which would allow for terminations in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities.

In response to your Page One article last Monday, Micheál Martin appears to be applying the same logic to the issue of abortion as the Government does to personal insolvency, the dreaded moral hazard.