Labour Minister of State for Health Kathleen Lynch has challenged political parties to include their views on abortion in manifestos at the next general election.

“It really should be there and then allow the people to decide who gets elected and who does not,’’ she added.

Ms Lynch said there would be no referendum on abortion in this Government's lifetime because there was no agreement to have one between Fine Gael and Labour.

The Minister of State was speaking during a late night Dáil debate on a Private Member's Bill, moved by Independent TD Clare Daly, legalising abortion.

Ms Lynch said she had opposed the insertion of the eighth amendment to the Constitution, giving an equal right to life of the mother and the unborn.

“By the way, it was not a very civilised referendum; it was quite aggressive and personal,’’ she added.

Speaking on Tuesday night, Minister for Health Dr Leo Varadkar said the eighth amendment was too restrictive.

Ms Daly’s Bill was defeated by 110 votes to 13.