A Fianna Fáil Senator has used the debate on education at the party's Ard Fheis to call for a continuation of pro-life policies.

The issue of abortion is set to take centre stage at the event later with four motions demanding the party opposes legislation allowing for suicide as a grounds for a termination.

The party said it will not be bound by any of the motions, but will be guided by them.

Senator Leyden told the gathering that without pro-life policies there will not be a need for education and childcare policies.

He said: "Just to say, what is more important, pre-school schooling or the right to life?

"Without the right to life, you have no pre-schooling, you have no school.

"What I say to you is, this is the big issue of the day and we have to ensure that our policies are continued into the future, thank you."