A member of the Mater Hospital's board has resigned following the hospital's agreement to comply with the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act.

Dublin priest Fr Kevin Doran has resigned after the the hospital conformed that it would comply with the law as regards carrying out terminations where the is a real and substantial risk to the life of the mother.

Fr Doran had previously said carrying out terminations under the Act was in contravention of the hospital's Catholic ethos. He said he could not reconcile his conscience with the hospital's decision to comply with the Act.

The Mater is one of the designated centres for carrying out terminations under the Act.

The legislation has not yet been commenced by Health Minister James Reilly, who has said it is planned to put it into operation this year.

In the meantime, a groups of experts has been set up to draw up guidelines for health professionals under the Act.