The Green Party has sanctioned two of its TDs, including a Minister of State, for failing to support the government in the Dáil.
Neasa Hourigan and Junior Minister Joe O'Brien have had speaking time removed from them for two months but the ban will actually only cover two weeks of Dáil time.
Neasa Hourigan voted against the government's bill five times while Joe O'Brien abstained on the final vote - both citing concerns with how strong the bill is and what its impact will be on renters.
This morning the party handed down a two-month speaking ban for both.
However, it will start immediately, meaning the two TDs will only be banned from speaking in the Dáil for two weeks when it returns in September.
Party sources said they didn't believe their actions were a first time hanging offence, but that it would be let known that any further breaking of the party whip will be punished more severely.
