CARDINAL Sean Brady has issued a warning to the Government that any attempt to legislate for abortion will be "vigorously and comprehensively" opposed.

The all-Ireland primate said it was important that the Catholic Church and other groups should come together to defend the "equal right to life" of mother and child.

Meanwhile, tensions are simmering between Fine Gael and Labour over the controversial issue. The Government must give an indication of its proposals to deal with the matter by the end of October, when it is due to deliver an 'action plan' to a European body.

Fine Gael backbenchers are opposed to legislation but Labour has promised to bring in laws to deal with the 1992 'X' case.

The Government is awaiting the report of an expert group on how to respond to a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights on abortion here.

Courage

Cardinal Brady told the Edmund Rice Summer School in Mount Sion, Co Waterford, yesterday that as the debate intensifies it would be important to "have the courage to make our voices heard".

He said: "It is important that we do justice to the logic and human reason behind the values that we hold."

In the 'X' case, it was ruled that it was lawful for a woman to have an abortion if her life was at risk, but the Government has yet to legislate for this.

Health Minister James Reilly established an advisory group in January after the European Court of Human Rights issued a judgment in 2010 that a pregnant woman suffering from cancer -- known as 'C' -- had her rights violated. Two other women, known as 'A' and 'B', were also part of that case.

Cardinal Brady said there was no obligation for legislation under the 2010 judgment.

"The recent judgment of the European Court did not oblige the Irish Government to legislate for any form of abortion in Ireland," he said.

"I believe any attempt to do so will be vigorously and comprehensively opposed by many."

Irish Independent