Fine Gael has accused the Taoiseach of organising a "moral morass" in the abortion referendum over the principle of safeguarding women's rights.

Party leader Mr Michael Noonan said the Minister for Health would operate in a "contradictory fashion" if the referendum was passed. Mr Martin would be responsible for legislation including a 12-year prison sentence for anyone breaking that law.

Yet the Minister was quoted as confirming that he "will give funds to health boards to ensure children in care who are pregnant because of rape or incest" would be funded by the State to have abortions in Britain or elsewhere.

"What kind of moral morass is the Taoiseach organising for the people when the same Minister will be acting in such a contradictory fashion with the same principle issue?"

Mr Ahern said, however, that for the first time since legislation was introduced 150 years ago, "women's lives have been taken into account".