Women are continuing to import lethal abortion drugs illegally via the internet despite abortion being lawful and free of charge in Ireland for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

There were nine seizures of 104 of these medicines between January and April, according to figures obtained from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). The HPRA said that between January and April last year there were 14 seizures of 204 tablets.

Doctors say there is likely to be always some level of importation of the pills as women seek privacy.

It is believed around 800-900 abortions a month are being carried out since the change in the law. Around 320 GPs are now signed up to provide medical abortions, but there are still no doctors willing to deliver the service in Co Sligo, Leitrim and Carlow.

It was reported in March that Irish women are also still travelling to England for abortions ‘in their droves’.