The Government defeated the Fine Gael motion on the Foley affair by 73 votes to 69.

It received the support of the Independents, Mr Jackie Healy-Rae (Kerry South), Mr Thomas Gildea (Donegal South West), Mr Harry Blaney (Donegal North East) and Ms Mildred Fox (Wicklow).

Fine Gael was supported by Labour, the Green Party, Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain (SF, Cavan-Monaghan) and Mr Joe Higgins (Socialist Party, Dublin West).

Mr Foley was not present for the vote.

The Government's majority was secured in a vote on an amendment to the motion, which read: "Dail Eireann notes the Taoiseach's statement, containing the necessary information about the circumstances and consequences of Deputy Denis Foley's appearance before the Moriarty tribunal."

The lengthy Fine Gael motion, moved on Tuesday night, called on Mr Ahern to reveal the specific questions he asked Mr Foley before Christmas.