The Government had a comfortable majority last night in the first Dáil divisions since its one-vote majority on the ending of the Shannon-Heathrow service in the House last week.
There were two divisions on a Fianna Fáil amendment to a Fine Gael Private Members' motion critical of its handling of the health services. The amendment, endorsing the Government's performance, was carried, in two divisions, by 80 votes to 66 and 80 votes to 65.
Cork East Fianna Fáil TD Ned O'Keeffe, who was absent last week for two divisions, including the Taoiseach's confidence vote, voted with the Government.