The Department of Justice has clarified that there will be no need for an early recall of the Dáil after the Government lost a vote in the Seanad this afternoon.
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan had earlier warned Senators that the Dáil may have to be recalled next week, if Senators amended the Government's Mediation Bill.
The bill aims to promote mediation as an alternative to court proceedings in civil disputes.
It obliges solicitors to advise clients involved in civil cases to first consider mediation instead of court proceedings.
An amendment was tabled by Senator Lynn Ruane to deal with concerns raised by Women's Aid, which said that victims of domestic abuse may be pressurised to face their abusers in mediation.
The amendment was passed by 21 votes to 16.
This evening the Department of Justice said the legislation would now be sent back to the Dáil in the autumn.
