Dáil Éireann supported a motion of confidence in the Government by 92 votes to 78 on Tuesday evening.

The resumption of the Dáil had witnessed Sinn Féin move a motion of no confidence in the Government after a week dominated by fuel protest-related traffic disruption and fuel shortages in some parts arising from the blockade of ports.

The Sinn Féin motion was amended by Government to a vote of confidence that passed, despite the dramatic resignation of Michael Healy-Rae TD from his position of Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture in the Dáil less than an hour before the vote.

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The Kerry TD had held responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture in the Department of Agriculture since January 2025.

“When I see people begging on the side of the road, when I see grown men crying, last night inside in the Plough Bar where I met tractor men, lorry men, farmers and when they were telling me how unhappy they were the leader of the country should have listened,” Deputy Healy-Rae said from the Government benches.

“And because of the fact that I believe this Government has left the people of Ireland down, I will be voting no confidence in the leader of the country and I will be tendering my resignation as a Minister of State from now.

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“And I would ask that future governments and this Government from now would listen, would be kind, would be understanding.”

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon acknowledged Deputy Healy-Rae for his role “as minister for forestry” and as a “good colleague in the Department of Agriculture”.

Minister Heydon had warned TDs that toppling the Government would risk delaying the supports announced this week aimed at relieving some of the cost increases on fuel for farmers, hauliers, agri contractors and the general public.

“This support of 27.4c/l [to green diesel] will be to the benefit of both farmers and contractors, recognizing their central role in sustaining essential food production,” the minister said.

“So, we have a choice here to make… those in opposition can attempt to either dismiss or ignore these supports and try to prevent their introduction or they can choose to engage with me in my department on their rollout to those who need them most, the choice is yours.”

The Dáil resumed to debate the package announced by Government over the weekend.