THE Government failed yesterday in two separate attempts to The Dublin Light Rail Bill, with minimal amendments, reintroduced almost immediately.

Meanwhile, the Government Chief Whip, Mr Higgins, wrote to the six missing Government TDs yesterday seeking an immediate explanation for their absence which led to the first Government defeat on Tuesday night.

The Labour Whip, Mr Brian Fitzgerald, had separate meetings with its five TDs. They were given a "verbal reprimand" for unauthorised absence. The missing Fine Gael TD was Mr Peter Barry.

Mr Fitzgerald said that, in their explanations to the party, Mr Jim Kemmy was engaged in mayoral activities; Mr Mosajee Bhamjee said he wasn't feeling well; and Mr Joe Costello and Mr Derek McDowell assumed that there would not be a vote.

It is understood that Mr John Mulvihill is representing the Cork Harbour Commissioners at a conference on ferry and liner services in Nice.

Last night three Labour TDs disappeared between the first and second votes on the Fianna Fail private members' motion on the Hepatitis C controversy.

Mr Bhamjee, Mr Kemmy and Mr Declan Bree voted on the Government amendment to the motion but failed to turn up when the Fianna Fail substantive motion was put to the House.

Mr Lowry signalled yesterday that he would be prepared to amend the Luas Bill to strengthen its consultation procedures. At a whips' meeting last night, Fianna Fail turned down a Government request to rush the Bill through the Dail next Tuesday and Wednesday. It was agreed to take the Bill a week later.