The government faces a razor tight vote in the Dáil this evening over the new National Maternity Hospital.
Two Green Party TDs have confirmed they plan to vote against the Government on the issue.
The head of the HSE says the term "clinically appropriate" was introduced to stop the National Maternity Hospital being used as a spill-over service for St Vincent's Hospital.
The term was included as part of the framework for the new hospital, with opponents warning the phrase was vague and could be used to put some medical procedures out of reach for women.
However the government says the term allows the new hospital to provide all legally permissible services in the areas of maternity, gynaecology, and obstetrics.
Speaking at the Oireachtas Health Committee, Paul Reid said the HSE asked for the phrase to be included to stop the hospital being misused.
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett says his party will facilitate the vote, which was put forward by the Rural Independents group.
The chairperson of the Green Party has indicated disciplinary action would be taken against any of their TDs who vote against the government.
Two Green deputies, Neasa Hourigan and Patrick Costello, plan to support the Sinn Féin motion.
Sinn Fein's David Cullinane says the purpose behind tonight's motion is to look out for taxpayers.
Outside St. Vincent's Hospital today with the striking #MedicalScientists. These hidden heroes have been been forced into striking as the HSE refuses to listen to them.
"What we just want is equal pay. That's it."@MedLabAssoc pic.twitter.com/FLfeGLdzPi
— Richard Boyd Barrett (@RBoydBarrett) May 18, 2022
