A leading member of Fine Gael's European party has asked the Taoiseach to reconsider expelling TDs who vote against the abortion bill.
Luca Volonte, an Italian MP from the European People's Party, says expelling members from the party on a matter of conscience is wrong.
Mr Volonte, who is also honorary president of the EPP, has written to the Taoiseach asking him to respect what he calls the "conscientious integrity of party members".
He said the decision of some members to oppose the abortion bill is one that should be respected, and it's wrong to kick them out of Fine Gael as a result.
Expulsions
Four TDs have already lost the Fine Gael party whip for voting against the legislation.
They are Peter Mathews, Billy Timmins, Brian Walsh and Terence Flanagan.
European Affair's Minister Lucinda Creighton is expected to vote against the legislation, and faces losing her ministerial portfolio and expulsion from the Fine Gael parliamentary party.
There's speculation her party colleagues Michelle Mulherrin, John O'Mahony and John Paul Phelan will also vote against the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.
165 amendments to the legislation have been tabled.
The bill is expected to clear all stages in the Dail by tomorrow night.
