Minister for State at the Department of Health, Alex White, has said he believes there is a strong appetite for a constitutional referendum on abortion.

Speaking this afternoon, Minister White said he knows there is a desire within the Labour Party to advance the issue, but it wouldn't happen within the lifetime of this government.

The Protection of Life During Pregnancy bill will come before the Seanad tomorrow after passing through the Dail on Thursday night.

Minister White says the debate is far from over: