Fianna Fáil has proposed that the party whip be removed from Senator Ivor Callely during an investigation of his expense claims.
Mr Callely's expense claims will be the subject of an investigation by the Select Committee on Members' Interests.
In a statement Fianna Fáil said: 'We have said that this matter is being taken seriously by the party and our view remains that Senator Callely must deal with it comprehensively and transparently.
'The Chief Whip will propose a motion at the next meeting of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party that the Party Whip be removed from Senator Callely, without prejudice, and pending the completion of the work of the committee.'
A Fianna Fáil spokesman said 'strenuous efforts' had been made this evening to contact Senator Callely to inform him of the decision, however those attempts failed.
The Committee earlier said that there is sufficient evidence before it to sustain a complaint under the Ethics in Public Office Act.
The Select Committee on Members' Interests in the Seanad met this afternoon to consider the issue and to examine two complaints from members of the public.
In a statement afterwards it said it will meet again the week after next to continue their investigation.
It said it had received a detailed written statement from Senator Callely and would be seeking more information about the expenses regime from the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The committee has engaged the legal advisors to the Dáil and Seanad to assist it in its investigation.
Senator Callely insists that he broke no regulations in making claims for some €80,000 over a two-year period.
Earlier, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport Mary Hanafin said Senator Callely should be upfront and clear in his explanations about travel expenses claims.
Minister Hanafin said the answers to date were not very clear and that the public deserved to know as public money was in question.
Minister for Enterprise and Innovation Batt O'Keeffe said he understands people's annoyance over Senator Callely's expenses.
However, he said 'generally speaking' deputies and senators incur a lot of expenses due to travel, overnight stays and general daily maintenance.
He also said it is a matter for the individual to explain how the expenses occurred and make sure those expenses are in accordance with the regulations.
