Tensions in the Dáil deepened today as deputies from Sinn Féin, Labour, Independent Ireland, and People Before Profit-Solidarity walked out of the chamber in protest during the first question posed to Taoiseach Micheál Martin by a member of the Regional Independent Group under newly revised speaking arrangements.
Carol Nolan, TD for Offaly, had just begun raising concerns about special education school capacity in her constituency when the mass walkout took place. Only two Social Democrats deputies remained in the chamber, despite opposing the changes to speaking rights, saying they "opted to remain" to monitor proceedings.
This marks the first use of new Dáil standing orders that give the Regional Independents and coalition backbenchers dedicated time to question the Taoiseach—changes that Opposition parties argue undermine parliamentary accountability and blur the line between Government and Opposition roles.
Labour, Sinn Féin, Independent Ireland, and PBP all reiterated their plans to avoid these Q&A sessions, accusing the Government of orchestrating a "grubby deal" with Regional Independent TD Michael Lowry. They claim the agreement gives the appearance of scrutiny while allowing Government-aligned TDs to question the Taoiseach as if they were in Opposition.
Ms Nolan’s question highlighted the lack of spaces and SNA support in special education in Offaly. The Taoiseach responded by reiterating the Government’s commitment to providing timely notice of school placements.
The protest followed the passing of a motion of confidence in Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy last night, by 96 votes to 71. Despite the vote, Opposition parties maintain their criticism of the Ceann Comhairle’s impartiality in the speaking rights row, which they believe has compromised the integrity of Dáil proceedings.
Mr Lowry, meanwhile, celebrated the outcome as a "significant victory for democracy" and accused Opposition parties of "juvenile and despicable" behaviour.
Though the new system has now been formalised, the fallout appears far from over, with political divisions inside Leinster House as stark as ever.
Carol Nolan, TD for Offaly, had just begun raising concerns about special education school capacity in her constituency when the mass walkout took place. Only two Social Democrats deputies remained in the chamber, despite opposing the changes to speaking rights, saying they "opted to remain" to monitor proceedings.
This marks the first use of new Dáil standing orders that give the Regional Independents and coalition backbenchers dedicated time to question the Taoiseach—changes that Opposition parties argue undermine parliamentary accountability and blur the line between Government and Opposition roles.
Labour, Sinn Féin, Independent Ireland, and PBP all reiterated their plans to avoid these Q&A sessions, accusing the Government of orchestrating a "grubby deal" with Regional Independent TD Michael Lowry. They claim the agreement gives the appearance of scrutiny while allowing Government-aligned TDs to question the Taoiseach as if they were in Opposition.
Ms Nolan’s question highlighted the lack of spaces and SNA support in special education in Offaly. The Taoiseach responded by reiterating the Government’s commitment to providing timely notice of school placements.
The protest followed the passing of a motion of confidence in Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy last night, by 96 votes to 71. Despite the vote, Opposition parties maintain their criticism of the Ceann Comhairle’s impartiality in the speaking rights row, which they believe has compromised the integrity of Dáil proceedings.
Mr Lowry, meanwhile, celebrated the outcome as a "significant victory for democracy" and accused Opposition parties of "juvenile and despicable" behaviour.
Though the new system has now been formalised, the fallout appears far from over, with political divisions inside Leinster House as stark as ever.
