A motion to remove Liam Lawlor from two Dáil committees is expected to be tabled when the Dáil resumes in two weeks, a Government spokeswoman said today.
The spokeswoman said: "It has always been the intention of the Taoiseach to restore the full complement of Fianna Fáil TDs on committees at the appropriate time." Lawlor resigned from the Fianna Fáil party in June.
In order to remove Lawlor from the committees the chief whip must bring a motion before the House following consultation with other party whips. "This will be done at the earliest appropriate time and we expect that this will be when the Dáil resumes in two weeks time", the spokeswoman added.
Lawlor is still a member of the Committee on Finance and Public Service, and the Public Enterprise and Transport committee.
Last night the Taoiseach declined to comment on whether Lawlor deserved to be jailed and told reporters that the court decision to jail him was unfortunate "for Liam on a personal basis".
Progressive Democrat leader Ms Mary Harney, today reiterated the party line which made it clear Lawlor should be removed from the committees if he does not resign.
Speaking to reporters, she said it was a sad day to see a Dáil deputy going to prison and there must be a response from the Government chief whip.
Earlier the Fine Gael leader Mr John Bruton said Lawlor would be best advised to resign his Dáil seat and that Mr Ahern should advise him to that effect.