Former Fine Gael minister Gemma Hussey said in her view, the proposed new abortion legislation is unworkable. 

Hussey made the comments after the Government this week published the Heads of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill. 

The bill legislates for the x case, permitting abortions to occur in certain circumstances where the mother's life is at risk - including the risk of suicide.

The issue has been a bone of contention within Government with many Fine Gael TDs saying they plan to vote against the bill. 

Former Fine Gael Education Minister Gemma Hussey said it is too restrictive: