Opposition parties call Dáil speaking rights vote ‘outrageous’
By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA
Opposition parties have accused the Government of “absolutely outrageous conduct” as the row over Dáil speaking time deepened.
It came after the Government’s move to allocate speaking time to the Regional Independent TDs along with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael backbenchers was voted through by the Dáil’s Reform Committee on a margin of 10 votes to eight on Wednesday night.
The proposal will be put to a full Dáil vote next week, but has already been strongly criticised by opposition parties.
The ongoing row, which delayed the nomination of Micheál Martin as Taoiseach last month, remains unresolved despite several meetings and the intervention of the Ceann Comhairle.
The Government and opposition remain completely at odds over the speaking rights for independent TDs who supported the formation of Government but did not receive ministerial roles.
Labour whip Duncan Smith said Wednesday night’s vote was “absolutely outrageous conduct”.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said: “The actions of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael this evening are dangerous, they are unprecedented.
“They are a clear attempt to turn logic and the rules and functioning of the Dáil on their head.
“Government has to be held to account. It is clear that this Government doesn’t want to be held to account.”
She added: “They have moved to force through propositions which make a mockery of any notion of accountability in the Dáil.
“This is a very disappointing situation, it is a very dangerous situation and it is one we are absolutely determined to face down.”
Government Chief Whip Mary Butler said: “The proposals agreed will ensure that all backbench TDs in Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and those independents not recognised under Standing Order 170, will be able to access speaking time.
“Under the Government proposal there won’t be any reduction in opposition speaking time.
“Drafting of amending standing orders will now be completed and brought to the Dáil for a vote of all members.”
Earlier, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris had been asked to meet opposition leaders to try to resolve the ongoing row.
In a letter sent to the Taoiseach on Wednesday, opposition leaders accused the Government of moving away from a commitment made to find a solution “acceptable to Government and Opposition” as soon as possible.
They quoted a statement given by former Government whip Hildegarde Naughton in the Dáil on January 23rd.
The letter continues: “It is not acceptable that the Government are now unilaterally moving away from this agreement. Therefore we are seeking a meeting so that an agreed position can come forward.”
Opposition leaders also wrote to Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy to outline her “key role” in ensuring the democratic procedures of the Oireachtas “are properly fulfilled”.
“We are now writing to the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to seek an urgent meeting with them on these matters to ensure that they honour their word as set out in the Dail.”
