The Taoiseach has told the Fine Gael party that realistically junior ministers would have to vote in the same way as senior ministers and support the new laws on drink driving.
Yesterday the Cabinet endorsed changes to drink-driving laws, which would see those detected over the blood alcohol limit being automatically disqualified.
This evening Leo Varadkar said a decision on whether or not Fine Gael TDs who are not ministers or junior ministers would get a free vote on the new bill would be decided in autumn.
The Independent Alliance, Fine Gael's partner in Government, is seeking a free vote as some of its members oppose the legislation and the matter is not included in the Programme for Government.
Fianna Fáil's transport spokesperson said yesterday that his party will not be affording a free vote on the proposed drink-driving legislation.
The Green Party and Sinn Féin have said they will support the bill.
