The Cabinet has reached a deal on abortion legislation put forward by the opposition.

Fine Gael ministers reached the deal with independents, which will also see an Oireachtas Committee established and ready to get to work immediately when the citizens assembly reports on the matter next year. 

Cabinet has also decided that a whip will not apply to independent ministers on issues that are not contained in the programme for government. 

Children's Minister Katherine Zappone says it's important this issue is dealt with as speedily as possible.