Fine Gael declines to comment on absence of TD Joe Carey during confidence vote

The Clare TD had been hospitalised earlier this year and has been treated for cardiac issues

Fine Gael TD Joe Carey. Picture: Eamon Ward

Fine Gael has declined to comment on the absence of Clare TD Joe Carey at this evening's confidence vote.

Mr Carey was not in the Dáil chamber ahead of the vote in the government, votes which are tightly whipped. A Fine Gael spokesperson declined to comment on Mr Carey's absence, but the Fine Gael TD was rushed to hospital in March after experiencing breathing difficulties and has been treated for cardiac issues.

It is understood that Mr Carey's vote was paired with Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan, who is currently outside the party whip. Vote records show that Ms Hourigan did not vote on the motion.

Mr Carey's office in September confirmed he "continues to be out on sick leave" and is "continuing to recuperate".

His sister Leonora, who previously served as chair of the Fine Gael executive council, has been seen attending public meetings in the constituency in recent weeks, fuelling speculation around Mr Carey's future in politics.

The 47-year-old was admitted to a cardiology unit at University Hospital Limerick after spending a couple of nights on a trolley in the emergency department.

In a video posted shortly afterwards, Mr Carey said he became ill at his home and "could not breathe at all" for about half an hour.

Mr Carey, who has been a TD since 2007, and is the son of former junior minister Donal Carey, thanked staff for the "exceptional care" he received.

He added he had given up smoking 30 days before the health scare, which he said was one of the "best things" he had done.

The Government has won a motion of confidence in itself by 83 votes to 63.