Fine Gael TDs Peter Mathews and Billy Timmins have been removed from the Dáil's Finance Committee.

They were formally stripped of their membership following their vote against the abortion legislation last night, in defiance of the party whip.

Deputy Matthews was present in the Dáil today for a vote on the passage of the Oireachtas Inquiries legislation, but refused to take his seat with former Fine Gael colleagues, and abstained by sitting in an observing area of the chamber.

Brian Walsh, who also voted against the Government, sided with the coalition today, while neither Deputies Timmins nor Terence Flanagan were present for the vote.