An agency to help mothers in crisis pregnancies will be set up under existing legislation, the Taoiseach told the Dail.

Mr Ahern also said that "at present there is no legislation" in relation to abortion. He was responding to Fine Gael's health spokesman, Mr Gay Mitchell, who asked if the Government would bring forward legislation in the autumn "on the promised referendum on abortion", and an agency for crisis pregnancies.

The Taoiseach replied that there was no legislation. He told Mr Mitchell that a Cabinet committee had not reported on the matter so "the deputy is ahead of himself". The Fine Gael spokesman persisted: "Is the Taoiseach saying legislation is not necessary for a referendum on abortion?" Mr Ahern: "At present there is no legislation."

Mr Mitchell said there would not be a referendum during the lifetime of this Government. He said that if the Government promised legislation "one must presume it will be introduced during the term of the Government."

"Is it now the cases that we will not see this legislation?", Mr Mitchell asked. Mr Ahern reiterated that the committee had not reported to the Cabinet.