Heffernan vote on social welfare bill remains in doubt

The coalition is facing another tough week, with the possibility Senators could delay the implementation of the social welfare cuts.

The full group of Labour Senators are demanding to meet the Minister for Social Protection tomorrow.

However, it's understood all but one have indicated they will support the Bill.

Four Labour Senators expressed concerns about voting for the measures contained in the Social Welfare Bill - including cutting child benefit and the respite care grant.

However, according to the Irish Times, Senator John Kelly has had his concerns addressed, whilst two others, John Whelan and Denis Landy, are understood to have met with the party leadership and are now expected to also back the bill.

That leaves just Senator James Heffernan's vote in doubt ahead of the meeting with Minister Joan Burton tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet will hold it's final pre Christmas meeting tomorrow where one of the main items is the response to the expert group that looked at how to deal with the ABC judgement.

At least one junior minister - Lucinda Creighton - is concerned about allowing the threat of suicide for abortion - a concern shared by many more FG backbenchers.