The Department of Health has said it intends to bring the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act into operation before the end of the year.

The controversial abortion legislation has still not commenced, nearly four months after it was signed into law by the President. According to the Department, operational issues need to be addressed before the legislation is brought into operation.

The Department told irishhealth.com that it was expected that a document providing guidelines for health staff on the operation of the legislation would be completed by the end of the year.

The guidelines will include identifying refferral pathways to fulfil the requirements of the Act and other relevant operational matters.

However, the Department says there is no legal requirement that guidelines be developed in order for the Act to commence, and it is the Minister's intention that the Act be commenced this year.

The legislation allows for abortion to be carried out in circumstances where there is a real and substantial risk to the life of the mother.