Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan today resigned as party whip after voting against the Government twice on amendments to the Residential Tenancies Bill 2020.
But the TD, who represents Dublin Central, said she is not leaving the Green Party.
Today, Ms Hourigan said she voted against the Government on amendments to the rent bill because the legislation does not offer enough protection for renters.
She said in a statement: “I decided to support non-government amendments proposed to the Residential Tenancies and Evaluation Bill and ultimately against the Bill itself.
“I did this because I hold significant concerns as to the impact of the Government legislation on people living in precarious tenancies.”
She added that she believed her vote was in line with Green Party policy, and she did not believe the proposed legislation was agreed within the Programme for Government.
She added that while her decision may have negative repercussions for her, she wanted to remain in the Government and in her party.
Green Party junior minister Joe O’Brien abstained on the vote on the Bill.
