There are further signs of unrest between coalition partners following the drafting of a bill on legalising abortion in certain circumstances.

The Sunday Times reports that Labour ministers have rejected the draft legislation and branded it unworkable following the inclusion of a plan that would force suicidal women to be assessed by six doctors before being granted a termination.

The document, which was drawn up by the Health Minister, James Reilly, recommends a panel of two obstetricians and four psychiatrists to carry out the assessments.

It is believed that senior Labour members are looking over the draft bill to see if a solution can be found before Tuesday when the bill is due to go before cabinet.