Controversy over opposition speaking time for Regional Independents

James Cox

Independent TDs who have agreed to support the incoming government, but do not hold a ministerial position, will be allowed to ask questions from the opposition benches.

The issue attracted criticism after it emerged some Regional Independents wanted to form a technical group in the Dáil in order to get more speaking time.

In a statement, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy said a precedent for this was set during the confidence and supply agreement between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in 2016, during which Fianna Fáil "was still considered the main opposition party".

She has invited any members of the Dáil Business Committee who do not agree to make a submission outlining any alternatives by close of business next Wednesday.

A recognised group has more speaking rights within the Dáil than an unaffiliated backbencher, such as the entitlement to ask questions to the Taoiseach during Leaders’ Questions.

The Regional Independents grouping of TDs and Independent Kerry TDs and brothers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae have agreed to support Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in the new government, which is set to be formally appointed on Wednesday.

The decision has been heavily criticised by opposition parties.

Labour TD Duncan Smith called it unacceptable.

"It is the responsibility of all in politics to improve politics reputation and standing in public life," he said

"The people would feel like a stroke is being pulled and would cause huge reputational damage to this Dáil."

Sinn Féin has said it will seek legal advice over the decision.

A Sinn Féin spokesperson told RTÉ the party "is deeply concerned that this proposal, where TDs who support the government and who helped draft the Programme for Government, would sit on the opposition benches to avail of extra speaking time intended for the opposition".

They added: "Not only do these so-called Independents want the trappings of power, they also want to take away the limited resources afforded to the opposition."

In response to criticism, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the Ceann Comhairle would make a decision on the issue.

“In relation to the issue of where people sit in Dáil Éireann, I do think that needs a bit of clarification and thought.

“I think if groups are in government, we need to look and see how the Dáil rules can accommodate that and no doubt the Ceann Comhairle will make a decision on that.”

He added: “The Regional Independents are a group in the Dáil, that’s their right.

“My understanding is there are members of that group who won’t be in the government.

“There will be some Regional Independents who will hold ministerial office, other Regional Independents who will not hold ministerial office.

“This issue will be resolved and the person who is in a position to resolve it is the Ceann Comhairle.”