The Tanaiste has denied that draft legislation has been circulated to ministers proposing that 6 doctors should be involved in any decision to allow a suicidal pregnant woman to have an abortion.

Eamon Gilmore was responding to reports in today's Irish Independent which has obtained a copy of the draft new bill.

The legislation clearly states that three doctors would be involved directly with the patient, and a further three doctors would review their decision.

The proposal has led to sharp differences between Fine Gael and Labour over the issue.

But the Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore told the Dail today that the legislation has yet to be finalised. 

The news broke on Sunday that a woman seeking would be forced to see two obstetricians and four psychiatrists should she present as suicidal.

Earlier this week though, the Health Minister James Reilly, denied that this would be the case.

But Political Editor with the Irish Independent Fionnan Sheehan says Minister Reilly failed to clarify if there would be six doctors involved in evaluating the case. 

This is what the Taoiseach had to say when asked about the panel, before the cabinet debate on the draft legislation