Proposed changes to the State’s abortion law might not be made until the new year, it has emerged.

While the Government is considering the recommendations of a report on the law, People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith has proposed a bill which would remove almost all restrictions from abortion.

This legislation will be tabled in the Dáil this week.

But instead of opposing it, the Government will seek a one-year timed amendment.

This will effectively stall its progression through the Oireachtas for 12 months.

A senior Government source confirmed to the Irish Times that it could be the new year before the Coalition agrees what changes should be made to the current law, although it is possible that proposals could be ready in the autumn.

The abortion review recommended sweeping changes including the full decriminalisation of the procedure, the removal of the three-day waiting period, the introduction of a statutory obligation on doctors and nurses to perform abortions over and above any ethical objections that may have in conscience.