The Government lost it’s working majority last night as Joe McHugh, FG, former Minister for Education resigned the party whip.
Mr McHugh, representing Donegal had voted against the government’s legislation to establish a redress scheme for those impacted by MICA.
Campaigners are not happy with all the terms of the redress scheme which is due to cost the taxpayer €2.7 billion as home repairs or replacements are undertaken in counties Donegal, Mayo, Limerick and Clare.
The Bill has been rushed through the Dail this week ahead of the summer recess due to start next week.
FG party leader and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar later said he understood Mr McHugh’s decision and expected he would support the government on other votes.
The government TDs now number 79 one short of an official majority but it has frequently been supported by a number of independent TDs.
