The Fine Gael Junior Minister Lucinda Creighton has said she will act in accordance with her own moral judgment when deciding whether to support new legislation on abortion.
However she said she would study the legislation and participate in any debate within her party before deciding on her own future.
She made the remarks as the Cabinet met to discuss the head of new legislation which will clarify when an abortion should be carried out.
A number of Fine Gael TDs have signaled their opposition to any legislation which would provide for suicide as a grounds for abortion.
Speaking at a Chartered Accountants Leinster Society event in Dublin Minister Lucinda Creighton said she act in accordance with her own moral judgment on the matter.
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Separately, the Tánaiste has urged Fine Gael TDs to read the new government legislation on abortion before deciding whether or not to oppose it. A number of Fine Gael TDs have already signaled that they will vote against any legislation which allows for suicide as a grounds for abortion.
But speaking on his way into the cabinet meeting this morning Eamon Gilmore said TDs who have concerns should read the legislation first before deciding on their next steps.
"I think everybody accepts that this is a difficult and a sensitive issue, and I think it needs to be approached in that way - I think everybody should have a look at what's in the legislation before making a decision" he said. "But this is an issue that we have been clear about, that we would deal with".
"It's been around for 21 years, we're dealing with it - it's about providing safety and security for women" he added.
Earlier Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte denied the new legislation was Labour getting what it wanted.
