The Cabinet sub-committee dealing with abortion has yet to decide if it will recommend that a referendum be held next year, the Government Chief Whip, Mr Seamus Brennan, has said.
Publishing the Government's legislative list yesterday for the coming Dβil session, Mr Brennan said the sub-committee, led by the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, has yet to finalise its position.
However, he emphasised that the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has repeatedly said he would like the issue to be "addressed by referendum, but also by legislation".
"He is anxious to see that done," said Mr Brennan.
Later, a government source said: "We now have to come up with a decision that has a good chance of working. People are trying to do that. It is very complex.
We have to see what we are going to do, if we are going to do anything."
A small number of extra bills, including one dealing with abortion, can be added to the legislative list and passed into law before the Government's reaches the end of its term next summer.
In addition, the Government will have to find time to implement an EU agreement to stiffen anti-terrorist legislation and to freeze the assets of front organisations used by terrorists.
The list published, Mr Brennan said, concentrates on social justice and improving infrastructure.
The Family Support Agency Bill will improve family counselling, mediation and crisis services.
Legislation will give redress to victims of abuse in residential care, create an Ombudsman for Children and give more rights to disabled people to take action if they suffer discrimination.
The Immigration (Carriers' Liability) will tackle asylum trafficking by making it an offence to carry people into the State without proper papers. The legislation is strongly opposed by transport organisations.
The Tobacco Bill will extend the number of public places in which smoking is banned.
The European Convention on Human Rights will also finally be incorporated into Irish law.
The Department of Finance will publish the Oireachtas Commission Bill before Christmas.
