The government's been defeated in the Seanad, in a vote over appointments to state boards.
The 20-19 defeat means arts minister Heather Humphreys will have to explain why Fine Gael's candidate for a Seanad by-election was appointed to a state board.
As revealed by Today FM yesterday evening, John McNulty - who's set to be elected to the Seanad next month - was made a director of the Irish Museum of Modern Art just two weeks ago.
Just six days later, Mr McNulty cited his new position as grounds to be elected to the Seanad's Cultural panel - which requires candidates to have experience in the cultural arena.
Minister Humphreys, who confirmed last night that Mr McNulty did not apply for the position, is expected in the Seanad to defend her position later this evening.
