Opposition calls for anti-abortion funding

Fine Gael has called for more funding to be provided to pro-life groups ahead of the arrival in Dublin of the controversial Dutch ship planning to provide abortions off the Irish coast.

The vessel will offer abortions to women in international waters, twelve miles off Ireland.

Fine Gael health spokesman Gay Mitchell said he does not expect many to take up the offer, which he described as "a publicity stunt".

However, he added, Ireland should now prove its anti-abortion stance by putting money into an independent agency which would support those with crisis pregnancies.