DANNY HEALY RAE has been removed from as a member of the Agriculture Committee after voting against the government in a confidence motion. 

The government survived a motion of no confidence by 92 votes to 78 last Tuesday, which was sought by opposition parties over the handling of the fuel protest.

However, Michael Healy-Rae told the Dáil on the day that he was quitting his ministerial role in the Department of Agriculture. He and his brother, Danny, subsequently voted against the government in the confidence motion. 

They had been among several independent TDs who supported the formation of a coalition with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

Michael Healy-Rae was appointed as a junior minister as part of the government-formation talks, with Danny Healy-Rae not receiving an official role.

Over the weekend, the Taoiseach confirmed there was an understanding that both brothers would support the government. However, he denied pushing Michael out of his position. 

He said it was “not fair to say” that Michael would have lost his position as Minister of State based on his brother voting against the government.

Pressed to explain the deal, Martin said: “It’s very simple what happened here. It was a matter for Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae.

As a result of voting against government, the Dáil voted to pass a government motion today to remove Danny as a member of the Agriculture Committee.

Fianna Fáil’s Kerry TD Michael Cahill will replace Healy Rae on the committee. 

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Danny Healy Rae took to his feet today ahead of the vote, but was unsuccessful in his attempt to amend the order of business that brought in the motion.

He told the Dail: “My amendment is that I be allowed stay in the Committee of Agriculture, because my understanding was that I was appointed an independent member, not a member of Government – or Fianna Fail.”

Chief whip Mary Butler replied: “You do not need to be a member of a committee to attend a committee.”