Abortion is the only real issue causing strain between the Government and the Independent TDs it relies on for support.
The Wicklow Independent TD, Ms Mildred Fox, said when the Green Paper on Abortion was published in September that she would withdraw her support for the Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrats Coalition unless it announced by March how it proposed to deal with the question.
She said she wanted a clearly-worded referendum and would not support the Government if it legislated on the issue.
The Donegal Independent, Mr Harry Blaney, told The Irish Times on Friday that his agreement with the Government was for another clearly-worded referendum.
"As far as I am concerned that means some time in the next year and the earlier in 2000 the better," he said.
Asked if he would withdraw support for the Government if it did not deliver a referendum next year, he said: "That question does not arise at this stage. I will wait and see what happens."
Another of the four Independent TDs formally supporting the Government, Mr Thomas Gildea, is on record as saying he also wants a referendum.
The Kerry Independent , Mr Jackie Healy-Rae, has said there is no demand from his constituents for a referendum.
Fianna Fail and the PDs hold 80 Dail seats. The support of three Independents gives it the 83 majority it needs to survive. If one Independent TD withdrew support, the Government would survive with the casting vote of the Ceann Comhairle. However, the withdrawal of support of more than one Independent would seriously destabilise the Government.