The two Independent TDs who voted against the Government in the Dáil last night have insisted that they will continue to support the Coalition in the time ahead.
Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole backed a Sinn Féin bill that would have prevented the Irish Central Bank from approving the prospectus which allows Israel to sell bonds in the European Union.
The Government won the vote by a margin of 87 votes to 75.
But the two Independent TDs, who backed the Governenment in every other vote in the 34th Dáil and who were part of the government formation talks, sided with the Opposition last night.
Mr Heneghan said it was a matter of conscience and Ireland should not facilitate the sale of bonds that help fund the devastation in Gaza.
Ms Toole cited the lack of a detailed briefing from the Government on the impact the Sinn Féin bill would have on EU Law.
The Government stated the bill was unworkable and not in compliance with EU law.
Mr Heneghan and Ms Toole have said they will continue to support the Coalition overall in the time ahead.
However, their vote illustrates that the Government is coming under increasing pressure to take furher action against Israel.
The Taoiseach told the Dáil yesterday that the most effective response to what is happening in Gaza is to persuade people in the EU and the US to pull their support from the state of Israel because of its actions.
This evening, the Taoiseach played down the significance of Mr Heneghan and Ms Toole voting against the Government.
He said Independents support the coalition only on the basis of the Programme for Government.
"They are independent, which some may have lost sight of... Independents are not members of Government by definition. The prospect of Independents not always voting for Government is very real."
He said the development illustrated the importance of garnering enough Independent support to ensure a comfortable majority for the Government.
Asked if he would speak to Michael Lowry, he said he would not.
