Dáil history in the making with Holly Cairns-Helen McEntee paired voting pact

Holly Cairns will abstain from tonight's votes as Minister for Justice Helen McEntee will not be able to attend due to maternity leave

Ms Cairns rang the Ceann Comhairle and asked for a special provision to be made and to ensure that the abstentions wouldn't appear on her voting record without the acknowledgment of extraordinary circumstances. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Two TDs will be paired for voting for maternity leave in the Oireachtas for the first time in history tonight.

Social Democrat Holly Cairns will abstain from tonight's votes on climate and rental provisions as Minister for Justice Helen McEntee will not be able to attend due to maternity leave.