Sinn Féin is facing criticism after its TDs left the Dáil chamber before a vote to renew the Offences Against the State Act.
Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien said: "They all walked out, to a person. Strange for the party that wants to be in Government can't bring itself to support our judiciary and Ireland's legal system. Not quite a constitutional party it seems."
While Fine Gael said the Special Criminal Court is a vital part of of the justice system and Sinn Féin will not support the renewal of the legislation to allow it to continue.
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said the party abandoned its previous "correct position of opposing the Special Criminal Court".
He said other TDs had stayed and abstained.
A Sinn Féin spokesperson said the party had made it clear during Dáil and Seanad debates that it would not oppose the motion and would abstain.
"That is what we did," they said.
