Parliament on Wednesday backed new rules which will stop sitting MPs receiving generous funding packages if they leave the party they were elected to serve but decide to keep their seat.

At the last general election, 11 different parties were elected to parliament but there are now 17 different groupings following a string of splits.

The change to the rules will stop splinter parties claiming €165,000 in support funding per seat and the bonus for party leaders. In addition, splinter party MPs will get less speaking time during debates

The new rules will come into effect after the March general election.

MPs also agreed earlier this week to restrict the number of members of parliament’s secret services committee to the leaders of the five biggest parties in parliament.

This will limit the chance of leaks of confidential information, MPs say.

Currently the parliamentary party leaders of all groups in parliament are members of the commission.