Enda Kenny appears to have ruled out giving Independent ministers a free vote when the Dáil considers an abortion bill next week.

Independent Alliance ministers are seeking a free vote on the bill from Ruth Coppinger, which will go to a vote next Thursday.

But the Taoiseach has again reminded them that the Programme for Government included a Citizens' Assembly on the subject, and hinted that it would be a breach of that agreement not to allow it report back first.

It was reported yesterday that the ministers are also examining whether they could table a counter-motion to Coppinger's Bill, bringing forward a time limit on the Assembly's work.

But this afternoon the Taoiseach's has recalled the agreement to set up a Citizens' Assembly on the same subject - and suggested that any other Government action on the area must be collective: