Additional reporting by
The cabinet were briefed this morning on what's needed to have an abortion referendum this summer.
It was top of the agenda for the first cabinet meeting of the new year.
The Oireachtas Committee for the 8th Amendment issued a report of recommendations on how to change the laws, which included abortion without restriction for up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
At least 7 ministers are known to be in favour of the committee recommendations to allow abortion without restriction for 12 weeks.
But there are dissenters who will likely make their views clear in the coming days.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he wants a referendum on the issue of the 8th Amendment in May, while The Justice Minister also says he's in favour of repealing it.
