Senator Ronan Mullen (Independent) warned a "sad new chapter'' would open in Irish life if the Government forced the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill through the Oireachtas.

“Things will never be quite the same again,’’ Mr Mullen said. “The pro-life movement will grow in strength and this much is clear.’’

Mr Mullen called for a Seanad debate on abortion before the legislation came before the House.

There should also be a debate on the quality of engagement by the Government with the public, the facts and the language, he said.

“With regard to the national vigil for life, it is worth stating the pro-life movement is growing,’’ he added.

Mary White (FF) remarked: "We are all pro-life.''

Mr Mullen claimed the Coalition was engaging in spin, starting with the title which mentioned protection of life during pregnancy.

“There is widespread concern this is about directly targeting innocent human children,’’ he added. “It has nothing to do with the sad facts of the Savita case.’’

He said the legislation was all about how the suicide ground would be exploited and turned into abortion on request.

Meanwhile, Ms White challenged the appointment of Seán Donlon, former civil servant and chief of staff to former Fine Gael taoiseach John Bruton, to Ireland’s seat on the board of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Ms White said the respite care grant cut, involving the most vulnerable, contrasted with Mr Donlon’s appointment to the €174,000 post. It was “for a gentleman who already has a large pension as a former senior civil servant’’.