There is uncertainty over the future of two Green Party TDs in Government after a series of votes last night.
Neasa Hourigan voted against the Government five times, while Junior Minister Joe O'Brien abstained on the Government's housing bill.
TDs were voting down amendments to new housing laws that would extend the rent freeze and evictions ban brought in during the Covid-19 crisis, but that would only apply to a limited number of people who could prove they had lost work because of the pandemic.
Ms Hourigan voted in favour of Labour Party amendments which would have extended the legislation to all tenants.
She resigned as the Green Party chief whip after voting with the opposition against the Government twice. It is understood Ms Hourigan plans to stay on as a member of the Greens but may face sanctions from the parliamentary party.
Second TD
TDs were reportedly taken by surprise when Minister Joe O'Brien then abstained on the final vote.
He later explained his reasoning in a tweet, saying he did not feel the legislation was the best piece of law they could have come up with. He described it as rushed, and said it could have been stronger.
It is unlikely he will face a sacking from the role for not voting with the Government.
It is understood Eamon Ryan has spoken with Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar about the actions of the two TDs.
Some senior Government TDs believe there will have to be punishments, and possible suspensions, for the Deputies.
There has been no decision yet on whether either TD will face sanction for breaking the government whip.
