Talks are still ongoing between Fine Gael and the Independent Alliance about a Dáil vote next week on an abortion referendum.

The Independent Alliance is seeking a free vote for its five TDs - three of whom supported an identical bill last year.

Fine Gael wants the whole government to reject the bill next week, in support of the Citizens Assembly on abortion, but no agreement has yet been reached.

The bill is due for debate next Tuesday with a vote two days later.

Yesterday the finance minister defended Independent colleagues who may be facing the prospect of a U-turn on abortion, having supported the bill last year but perhaps opposing it now.

Michael Noonan said it was reasonable that ministers would change their stance on the issue once the Citizens' Assembly has been set up: