A ban on the use of Irish government aid money to fund abortions in developing countries is likely to be lifted as a result of the Government’s embrace of a pro-abortion policy.

The ban was in place because of a rule that aid should not be used for purposes in conflict with domestic Irish policy.

The Department of Foreign Affairs says it will launch a new initiative on “sexual and reproductive health and rights” in the developing world as part of the work of Irish Aid, the development aid programme of the government. The new plan is likely to allow funding for abortion.