Updated 09.30

Four Fine Gael TDs will be thrown out of the party this evening when they defy orders to back abortion laws in the first Dáil vote.

But as many as 10 TDs - including junior minister Lucinda Creighton - could refuse to back the legislation over a number of votes in the coming weeks.

Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Health, Gerry Buttimer, told Newstalk's Breakfast he is hoping TDs will change their minds and back the Bill. Presenter Chris O'Donoghue asked him if the party will be weaker after this crisis:

Gerry Buttimer told the show he was a premature baby, born 13 weeks early, and as such appreciates that life is a gift. Deputy Buttimer says he respects those who are trying to protect the gift of life, but still believes the proposed legislation will protect the life of the Mother, and of the unborn child.

Last night the Dáil debate on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill came to an end with 94 TDs having had their say.

Four in Fine Gael - Terence Flanagan, Peter Matthews, Brian Walsh and Billy Timmins - say they will not support it in this evening's first vote - that'll result in their immediate expulsion from the Parliamentary Party.

But the threat that those who don't support the legislation in all votes will not be Fine Gael candidates at the next general election may not put off 6 or 7 more from defying the whip.

They're holding out for amendments at committee stage - but ministers have warned there will be no substantive changes.

The Taoiseach also said he could not remove the suicide clause as some demanded as he could not pick and chose which parts of the constitution to uphold.

Meanwhile, Leo Varadkar has warned TDs intending to vote against the legislation that they are making a mistake and will be proven wrong.