The Government's Green Paper on abortion, to be published early next week, is not expected to make any recommendations on a wording for another referendum on the issue. It is understood that the Green Paper sets out the medical and legal background to a number of options that the Government may eventually consider pursuing.
The Green Paper is believed to contain a detailed chronology of events that led to the current situation. A senior Government source last night described the Green Paper as "dispassionate".
The All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution is expected to have its first discussion on the Green Paper on abortion when it next meets on Wednesday week.
It is understood the committee ail TD, Mr Brian Lenihan, may hold public hearings on the Green Paper.
There is still no indication whether the Government will give the committee a time limit for considering the Green Paper.
A spokesman for the Pro-Life Campaign said it wanted the Government to give the committee a time limit for its deliberations. He said: "It could be with the committee forever unless the Taoiseach indicates he wants the issue resolved speedily."
Dr Berry Kiely of the Pro-Life Campaign said it hoped the Green Paper would "give a fair presentation to the option which seeks to restore a total ban on abortion and reaffirm in our Constitution the dignity and humanity of all human life".
The Green Paper, which was approved by Cabinet on Wednesday, does not contain any recommendations. It is believed to outline several options including an outright ban on abortion in all circumstances and the introduction of a liberal abortion regime.
The current situation is based on the 1992 X case ruling which allows abortions to be carried out in the State where there is a threat to the life of the mother including suicide.
During the 1997 general election campaign Mr Ahern said the decision in the X case "has left the situation in an unsatisfactory state of legal and constitutional limbo". One member of the all-party committee said last night that he expected divergent views. When the committee reports back to the Government the Cabinet will have to approve any option that leads to another referendum. The Taoiseach has repeatedly stated that the electorate will be consulted regardless of what legislative or constitutional decision is ultimately taken.