A Sinn Féin motion calling for the new National Maternity Hospital to be built on publicly-owned land has been passed in the Dáil.
The non-binding motion was passed with 56 votes in favour and 10 against.
There were 69 abstentions from mostly Government TDs.
Two Green Party TDs voted against the Government in the vote on Wednesday.
Neasa Hourigan and Patrick Costello have voted against the Government and in favour of a Sinn Féin motion on the National Maternity Hospital, defying the Government whip pic.twitter.com/LiFryi9pIa
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) May 18, 2022
Neasa Hourigan and Patrick Costello voted in favour of the Sinn Féin motion.
The two Green deputies are expected to be sanctioned, including potentially losing the Dáil whip.
If they do, the Government will be reduced to a bare majority. It currently has 82 seats, with 80 being a majority in the Dáil.
In a statement, Deputy Costello says he will accept whatever sanction he is given.
"I know this is frustrating for our Government partners but the issue of the National Maternity Hospital has been incredibly frustrating, confusing and challenging for many and this motion reflected my own concerns and the concerns of many.
"I could not in good conscience vote against it.
"I know breaking the whip is a serious issue and as I have said earlier I will accept the sanctions imposed from my action.
"I understand my Green Party colleagues are meeting tonight and will decide on the appropriate sanction for my vote.
"Thank you to my supporters but mainly thank you to the many campaigners and advocates on the issue," he adds.
Sinn Féin meanwhile is calling on the Government to engage in "high-level talks with St Vincent's Healthcare Group about serious unresolved issues around land ownership."
Additional reporting: Sean Defoe
