The Government is considering having an omnibus referendum on a number of issues, the Taoiseach said. Mr Ahern added that the legality of such a move was being examined.

He said the question of whether the ratification of the Treaty of Nice required a referendum was still under consideration and the Government would make a decision when the Attorney General's advice was received.

He said the Attorney General had advised, relating to the International Criminal Court, that a referendum was required for Ireland to ratify the statute.

The issue of judicial review, and-or impeachment, was being examined by the Minister for Justice in the light of the report of the all-party Committee on the Constitution. The Minister was also considering issues relating to the removal of references to the death penalty from the Constitution.

A Cabinet sub-committee was still considering the abortion issue. "My personal view on the issue has been well documented for many years: there will be a separate referendum. Until there is a conclusion of the work of the sub-committee, however, there will be no decision on it."