Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the blockades during the fuel protests last week were not something the Government had anticipated.
The Dáil will vote on a confidence motion in the Government today amid ongoing Opposition criticism of its handling of the fuel protests.
The Government has the necessary numbers to win the vote but some of the Independent TDs supporting it have not yet confirmed if they will back the Coalition.
The vote was triggered by a Sinn Féin no confidence motion in the Government.
Speaking on his way into Cabinet this morning, Mr Martin said the "blockade as a tactic" was "not something we anticipated".
"We're very conscious of the pressure that is on families," Mr Martin said.
"People didn't anticipate that type of protest at Whitegate," he added, regarding the blockade of the oil refinery in east Cork.
Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty accused the Government of "insulting people who were forced to take to the streets" and of "demeaning" them with threats of deploying the army.
"The failure of this Government to take the necessary steps has left us with no other opportunity but to table motion of no confidence," he said.
The deputy said that the choice for all Government TDs, including supporting independents, was: "Are you going to back the ordinary Irish person, or are you going to back Micheál Martin and Simon Harris, who have abandoned them, who have left them behind at this time of a cost of living crisis?"
Uncertainty over Healy-Rae vote in Government confidence motion
As the Dáil returned this afternoon after the Easter break, the decks will be cleared to debate the Government's motion of confidence in itself.
A row is likely given that the Opposition leaders' questions to the Taoiseach are being cast aside to allow for the two-and-a-half-hour debate, which will be followed by roll call vote.
The Independent TDs Gillian Toole, Barry Heneghan and Danny Healy-Rae are still considering how they will vote.
However, Ms Toole and Mr Heneghan are expected to support the Government in the confidence motion.
Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae is viewed as the most likely to break ranks with the Government.
Michael Healy-Rae's junior ministerial role could be in jeopardy if his brother votes against the Government in the confidence motion.
Senior figures in the coalition are adamant that the ministry was secured on that basis that both Michael and Danny Healy-Rae would support the Government.
"The deal was two of them for one ministerial job," said one key negotiator in the government formation talks.
Michael Healy-Rae was subsequently appointed as a junior minister at the Department of Agriculture.
When the coalition was formed the Healy-Raes described themselves as fourth leg of the coalition.
"They can't be the fourth leg if half that leg is outside of Government," was the view from Government Buildings this morning.
Danny Healy-Rae yesterday called on the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to step down, but he declined to say if he would vote against the Government today.
After a meeting of the Regional Independents last night, his position remained unclear, with those close to him saying it was "too early" to say what he will do.
The sense in Government is that the eight other Independent TDs supporting the Government will vote confidence in it today.
Later in the evening, the Dáil will vote on the financial measures to introduce those further cuts to excise duty on petrol, diesel and green diesel announced at the weekend.
The Cabinet also met this morning.
Live: Updates as they happen
'Rules of engagement have changed', says head of trade union
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary said there is a hierarchy of rights in the State but the fuel protests showed that "farmers and small businesspeople can do whatever they want".
It comes as the ICTU said the Government's €500m fuel support package, announced after a week of disruptive protests, has set a precedent for pay negotiations in the coming year.
Eoin Reidy said it seems the Government has "crossed the rubicon" and that "the rules of engagement have changed".
Watch: Trade union secretary says 'rules of engagement have changed'
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme, Mr Reidy said: "It seems that if you shout the loudest, you succeed. This isn't just last week.
"We have seen this with the hospitality sector, where they effectively shut the Government down for a reduction in VAT that is not necessary."
In response to ICTU saying the rules of engagement have changed, the Taoiseach said he does not think it is a "fair criticism".
"We will be engaging with ICTU," he said.
"We have the LEEF forum, and I've been a strong advocate for an enhanced form of social partnership."
He added: "I'm open to enhancing social partnership as a means to navigating the current international crisis.
"I look forward to engaging with ICTU, with IBEC and others, to try and work collectively."
