The Taoiseach says he doesn't want Ireland to once again become "convulsed" for years on the question of abortion.

But he's ruling out any change to the laws for now - saying it's a matter that will have to be considered by the next government.

Meanwhile Labour is coming to terms with the loss of one of its own TDs, who broke ranks on the subject last night.

The party's deputy leader says Labour is united - and signalled that Deputy Ferris would be welcome to re-apply to join the Labour parliamentary party if she wishes.

Our political correspondent filed this report for Today FM's National Lunchtime News:

There's more division in the Labour Party over the tabling of a bill to allow for abortion in the case of fatal foetal abnormalities.

After Clare Daly's bill was defeated last night, another Labour TD, Michael McNamara announced that he would be tabling a Bill of his own to allow for abortion in the case of fatal foetal abnormality.

Deputy McNamara says the party did NOT provide backbenchers with a transcript of the Attorney General's advice: