A major row over speaking rights in the Dáil is set to come to a head today, with opposition parties vowing to resist Government efforts to grant additional speaking slots to its own backbenchers and the Regional Independent Group.
The dispute, which has been simmering since January, threatens to once again derail proceedings in the 34th Dáil, as a vote on the proposed changes is scheduled for this afternoon. Tempers are expected to flare, with opposition TDs accusing the Government of undermining democratic accountability.
The proposal would see new question-and-answer slots created for coalition backbenchers and the Regional Independents. The Government insists these changes are minor and will not reduce Opposition speaking time.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, speaking ahead of today’s Cabinet meeting, described the proposal as “modest” and accused Opposition parties of engaging in a “politically manufactured” crisis. He said the issue must be resolved soon so that committee selections and other parliamentary work can proceed.
However, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has criticised the move, arguing that the Regional Independent Group, led by Michael Lowry, cannot claim to be both in Government and Opposition at the same time.
Despite strong resistance, the Government is expected to pass the measure due to its majority, though a heated and prolonged debate is likely to precede the vote.
Tánaiste Simon Harris accused the Opposition of misleading the public and described claims that speaking time is being taken from Opposition TDs as “nonsense”.
“This is about fairness,” he said, explaining that elected Government backbenchers and independents are being given just eight minutes on Wednesdays and Thursdays to pose questions and receive answers. “They still won’t have the same level of speaking time as the Opposition.”
Mr Harris criticised the idea of protest walkouts or chaos in the Dáil if the Government wins the vote. “Come on, it’s not a crèche,” he said.
Sinn Féin TD Louise O’Reilly accused the Government of being “allergic to accountability” and focusing its efforts on protecting Michael Lowry’s group.
“It is beyond ridiculous to create a slot where members of the Government can effectively question themselves,” she said.
Ms O’Reilly urged the Taoiseach to meet with Opposition leaders and reach a consensus, saying her party had submitted proposals and amendments aimed at resolving the impasse.
Fine Gael TD Barry Ward also defended the proposal, stating that “not a single moment” of Opposition speaking time is being lost.
“These are modest changes,” he said on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, adding that the Taoiseach will still remain “the most accountable head of government in any European parliament.”
The dispute, which has been simmering since January, threatens to once again derail proceedings in the 34th Dáil, as a vote on the proposed changes is scheduled for this afternoon. Tempers are expected to flare, with opposition TDs accusing the Government of undermining democratic accountability.
The proposal would see new question-and-answer slots created for coalition backbenchers and the Regional Independents. The Government insists these changes are minor and will not reduce Opposition speaking time.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, speaking ahead of today’s Cabinet meeting, described the proposal as “modest” and accused Opposition parties of engaging in a “politically manufactured” crisis. He said the issue must be resolved soon so that committee selections and other parliamentary work can proceed.
However, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has criticised the move, arguing that the Regional Independent Group, led by Michael Lowry, cannot claim to be both in Government and Opposition at the same time.
Despite strong resistance, the Government is expected to pass the measure due to its majority, though a heated and prolonged debate is likely to precede the vote.
Tánaiste: “It’s Not a Crèche”
Tánaiste Simon Harris accused the Opposition of misleading the public and described claims that speaking time is being taken from Opposition TDs as “nonsense”.
“This is about fairness,” he said, explaining that elected Government backbenchers and independents are being given just eight minutes on Wednesdays and Thursdays to pose questions and receive answers. “They still won’t have the same level of speaking time as the Opposition.”
Mr Harris criticised the idea of protest walkouts or chaos in the Dáil if the Government wins the vote. “Come on, it’s not a crèche,” he said.
Sinn Féin: Government Avoiding Scrutiny
Sinn Féin TD Louise O’Reilly accused the Government of being “allergic to accountability” and focusing its efforts on protecting Michael Lowry’s group.
“It is beyond ridiculous to create a slot where members of the Government can effectively question themselves,” she said.
Ms O’Reilly urged the Taoiseach to meet with Opposition leaders and reach a consensus, saying her party had submitted proposals and amendments aimed at resolving the impasse.
Government: No Loss of Opposition Time
Fine Gael TD Barry Ward also defended the proposal, stating that “not a single moment” of Opposition speaking time is being lost.
“These are modest changes,” he said on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, adding that the Taoiseach will still remain “the most accountable head of government in any European parliament.”
