Watch: TD Bríd Smith produces packet of abortion pills in Dáil

Holding up a packet of the tablets bought online, Deputy Smith said the Government knew it could not stand over its own laws.

She said the tablets were proof that abortion was reality in Ireland, and that the law should reflect it: "You can get it here in the State, you can also get 14 years for procuring it, for taking it and for helping yourself to have an abortion at home.

"You could arrest me for having it and give me 14 years, but you aint going to do it because what's on your books and what's in your laws you know that if you dare to implement it you would bring hell-fire and brimstone down on top of this house and in wider society because we have moved on," she said.

There have been impassioned contributions from across the House during the debate on an AAA-PBP motion, which is still ongoing, calling for a a referendum to repeal the Eight Amendment brought forward by Ms Smith and Ruth Coppinger.

Health Minister Simon Harris acknowledged that for many it would take too long to implement change but said government wanted to tackle the issue of the Eight Amendment in the "best way".

Holding a small white package in the air Ms Smith said: "This is the abortion pill and this pill is very simple and very simple to obtain. You get it over the internet."

Acknowledging those in the public gallery she said "loads of the women up there are doing that".

Meanwhile the Pro-Life campaign says that the bill is merely designed to generate publicity and has nothing to do with genuine debate.

Speaking before the Dáil debate, spokesperson Cora Sherlock (above) said that there needs to be reasoned discussion on the matter: “What I hope for is that we will have the type of calm and reasonable debate that the people of Ireland deserve and that means addressing and acknowledging the fact that there is no such thing as a little bit of abortion.

“Restrictive abortion simply doesn’t exist.

“Repealing the 8 Amendment means and would lead to over time discrimination against the most vulnerable in our society.”

Speaking this evening in the Dáil on the issue of the Eight Amendment, Sinn Féin's TD for Carlow/Kilkenny said that the Governemnt's delaying tactics on holding a referendum were unacceptable.

Deputy Funchion said: "Our party supports the right of a woman to seek a termination of pregnancy where her life and mental health is at risk or in grave danger.

"We support the introduction of legislation, north and south, to allow for terminations in the cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, rape and incest. In the 26 Counties this will require the repeal of the 8th Amendment of the Constitution.

"This about repealing the 8th Amendment to ensure that, in the case of a woman's health and womens well being, any decisions are made between her and medical professionals.

"The UN’s judgement this summer was the latest in a series of rulings that has made it clear that the 8th Amendment has to be removed from the Constitution. We need a referendum for to happen.

"Sinn Féin recognizes that where a woman wishes to continue with the pregnancy even in challenging circumstances, she should be fully supported in that decision. We have also called for the introduction of an all-Ireland protocol on pre-natal diagnostic screening in pregnancy.

"Many women and girls leave this state every day for an abortion. This is our reality.

"We cannot continue to simply export our issues. We have a duty to protect the safety and health of women here in Ireland. This Government has a responsibility to provide the necessary measures to support women with what they need on this hugely important and sensitive issue. It’s delaying tactics are not acceptable."