Update 7.43pm: Transport Minister Shane Ross has rejected suggestions that he and his independent colleagues have breached collective Cabinet responsibility by backing Mick Wallace’s Bill on abortion.

It was confirmed earlier that the Cabinet was unable to reach a common position – meaning Independent Ministers will vote against the Government.

“The Government has decided – you say under pressure, I’d say under persuasion, … that collective Cabinet responsibility will not apply to this Bill, that’s what they decided today,” said Minister Ross.

“And we’re very grateful for that, and that was the united view of the Government at today’s meeting.”

Earlier:

The Cabinet has failed to sign off on a common position to Mick Wallace’s Bill on abortion.

It means the three Independent Alliance ministers will vote against Fine Gael and support the bill in a vote on Thursday.

However, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny has hit out at the Ministers, insisting it is clear that the Bill is flawed and lacks definitions.

He has said he could not in good conscience vote for the Bill himself.

“I am concerned, I have to say, at the clarity of how inadequate the particular bill is coming from the medical profession,” said the Kenny.

“Those who operate at the highest level of integrity in the medical profession have made it perfectly clear the bill in question is a bad bill for women. (It) does nothing for them, I have a conscience about that.”