The Communications Minister says he doesn't want to see the Catholic Church dictating to Oireachtas members how to legislate.

Pat Rabbitte says he's taken aback by the vigor of the language used by senior clergy opposed to abortion legislation.

The Government announced yesterday that it plans to legislate for abortion in certain cases - alongside regulations.

Four Archbishops - including Cardinal Sean Brady - say it will allow for the direct and intentional killing of the unborn.

Minister Rabbitte says he's surprised at what he describes at their strident intervention at this stage in the debate: