The HSE said its probe into the latest abortion controversy will be completed as quickly as possible.

The health executive has now published the terms of reference for the inquiry into how the case of the young woman who sought an abortion under the terms of the legislation and subsequently was delivered by caesarean section was handled.

The Association for the Improvement in the Maternity Services (AIMS) Ireland has raised concerns about the HSE inquiry panel, claiming some of its members have too close ties to the HSE. It said the inquiry should be fully independent of the HSE.

Meanwhile it was reported today that that a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions relating to an investigation of practices at crisis pregnancy clinics, including the advice given at some of them.

A number of demonstrations took place in Dublin at the weekend on the abortion issued following on from the latest controversy.