The Catholic Primate of All Ireland Cardinal Sean Brady says Church leaders gave the government "food for thought" on the decision to introduce new abortion legislation later this year.

Dr. Sean Brady led a delegation of clergy to meet the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his Ministers for 3 hours at Government Buildings this evening.

The delegation met with Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn, Minister for Health James Reilly and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald.

Earlier Pope Benedict announced Monsignor Eamon Martin to the role of Coadjutor Bishop of Armagh.

This means he will eventually take over from Cardinal Brady as the Catholic Primate of All-Ireland.

Bishop Martin has been involved in bringing child protection measures to the fore of the Church.

'Cordial and comprehensive' talks

The spokesman for the Taoiseach said afterwards that the meeting had not changed the government intention to introduce abortion legislation later this year.

Archbishop Sean Brady says the Church leaders outlined their position on the proposed new abortion legislation.

The Church leaders spoke to reporters following the talks.