The Government has given approval for the publication next week of a Green Paper on abortion that will lead to another referendum.
A senior Government source last night told The Irish Times the paper was "a comprehensive document which doesn't point in the direction of any one side. It takes all viewpoints on board but makes no recommendations".
However, a Government spokesman said last night that "no matter what happens there will be another abortion referendum".
He stressed that unlike the referendums in 1983 and 1992, the Government would ensure the electorate was aware of the legislative changes to be introduced should the constitutional amendment be passed in a referendum.
The Green Paper is expected to be published next week. The document is believed to outline several possible options for dealing with the abortion issue. These range from an outright ban on abortion in all circumstances to the introduction of a liberal regime. The advantages and disadvantages of each option is discussed in detail in the Paper.
Following its publication, the Green Paper will be sent to the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution for consideration. The recommendations of the committee, chaired by Fianna Fail TD Mr Brian Lenihan, will then guide a subsequent Government decision on the issue.
The Taoiseach has previously indicated his preference for one of two options to deal with the abortion issue. The first would be for another constitutional referendum, accompanied by the publication of the heads of legislation, which would be enacted should the amendment be passed. This approach failed in 1992 in relation to the so-called substantive issue.
The second would be to use Article 27 of the Constitution, which would allow the electorate to vote on abortion legislation which had already been approved by the Oireachtas.
The current situation - given the ruling in the 1992 Supreme Court ruling in the X case - theoretically would allow abortions to be carried out in the State where there is a threat to the life of the mother including suicide.
The most recent figures from the British Office for National Statistics show 5,892 women giving Irish addresses had abortions in Britain last year.
In recent weeks some of the Independent TDs who are supporting the coalition in the Dail, including Ms Mildred Fox and Mr Harry Blaney, have sought reassurances that an abortion referendum will be held in the lifetime of the Government.
However, there was no indication last night of how long the all-party committee would take in its deliberations. It is understood the Taoiseach does not consider the subject to be a priority ahead of the next general election.