Fianna Fáil is admitting the party is divided on abortion laws as the Cabinet meets to discuss the basis for legislation.

The party's Dara Calleary told reporters at the launch of the programme for its Ard Fheis in Dublin this weekend that "there is differing views on it".

A number of motions to be debated and voted on at the gathering will call for Fianna Fáil's pro-life stance to be maintained, while one demands a referendum on the issue.

Dara Calleary faced a number of questions by reporters this morning.

Health Minister James Reilly is presenting a draft of the legislation - or Heads of the Bill - to his Cabinet colleagues today. He has already rejected claims that a panel of up to 6 doctors would have to assess if a woman is suicidal because of her pregnancy.

But it is unclear if the draft will find agreement with Labour and Fine Gael especially with conservative backbenchers in the larger Government party.

Speaking this morning the Taoiseach Enda Kenny reiterated that while he cannot be definite he would like to see the legislation enacted before the summer.