The Government has pledged to set up a statutory inquiry into the allegations outlined in the report

Ms Hourigan had the whip restored in November after it was removed for six months when she voted against the Government over the ownership structure of the new site of the National Maternity Hospital.

Sinn Féin is hopeful that this week's motion on extending the eviction ban, which is primarily aimed at putting pressure on the coalition, will see the Government's voting margin drop to the lowest yet.

“It will take a long time to close the gap, but the corner can be turned this year,” he told his TD and Senator colleagues.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin will fly to the US and will spend a week in New York and Boston

Kerry TD Brendan Griffin said he was stepping aside to spend more time with his young sons.

It is also understood the Government may consider putting time limits on the financial support and accommodation offered to Ukrainians.

It comes as Lebanon’s Hezbollah handed over a man suspected of killing the UN peacekeeper to Lebanese Armed Forces.

An overhaul of the planning system has been announced by the Government to deal with the housing crisis.