Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said he is "fundamentally comfortable" with the fact that most of the members of his party will vote tonight against the Government's abortion legislation, even though he supports it.

Mr Martin said Fianna Fáil was a "pro-life party" and he was comfortable with the fact that members could exercise their freedom of conscience on the issue.

Some 13 of the 18 members of the parliamentary party voted against the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill at second stage last week, and are expected to do so again tonight in further Dáil votes.

Mr Martin, speaking at the launch of a report on health insurance, said Fianna Fail had set up an internal committee to address the issue of voting on conscience issues.

Asked if in future members would be allowed a free vote on gay marriage, Mr Martin replied that the party had decided that the examination of freedom of conscience would be limited to “life” issues such as abortion, the death penalty or euthanasia.