The debate on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill is set to resume this afternoon, after a marathon night of talks saw just two amendments being voted on.

There was shock around the Dail when a Labour TD, Michael McNamara, voted against the Government on an amendment which deals with fatal foetal abnormalities. However, it is understood that this was a genuine mistake and Mr McNamara will not face any repercussions as a result.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael TD and Junior Minister for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton, has so far voted with the Government, but is expected to vote against it later on. Such a move will result in her being expelled from the Fine Gael parliamentary party and losing her junior minister post.

Yesterday's debate was originally supposed to finish at around 10pm last night, however it was not adjourned until 5am this morning. It will resume later this afternoon.