The Government has successfully defeated a Labour Party motion in the Dáil calling for the reversal of education cuts announced in this month's Budget.
The Green Party’s support for the Government’s amendment meant it was passed by 80 votes to 74.
The debate on the matter contained much criticism of the Greens over their decision not to take a stand on the issue, which has caused major concerns among grassroots party members.
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said the Green Party appeared to have no intention of taking a stand to protect the issues it campaigned on before the last election.