The children's minister says a referendum on abortion could take place in 'late 2017'.

Katherine Zappone says the government has an obligation to respond to a UN ruling on our abortion laws, even if it's not binding.

Her comments follow yesterday's commitment from Taoiseach Enda Kenny to bring a memo to cabinet next week, looking for agreement to set up a Citizens' Convention on abortion.

He claimed, however, that the State was not bound by last week's finding from the UN Human Rights Committee.

Children's minister Katherine Zappone agrees, but says Ireland still has a moral obligation to act.

The government remains under criticism, however, from TDs who believe a referendum should be held straight away.

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