The combined Opposition in Leinster House has withdrawn pairing arrangements for Government TDs in protest against the Dáil Reform Committee’s vote last night.
The Opposition has strongly opposed the move, describing it as:
She insisted that the changes do not reduce the speaking time allocated to the Opposition.
Opposition Outraged Over Speaking Time Changes
The dispute centers on Government plans to introduce new speaking slots every Wednesday and Thursday, allowing regional TDs and Government backbenchers to question the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.The Opposition has strongly opposed the move, describing it as:
- “Authoritarian, farcical, grubby, and dangerous”
- An attempt to diminish their role in holding the Government to account
Government Defends Proposal, Insists No Opposition Time Is Lost
Government Chief Whip Mary Butler stated that the final details of the plan—benefiting 60 TDs—will be confirmed before a full Dáil vote in the coming weeks.She insisted that the changes do not reduce the speaking time allocated to the Opposition.
Fierce Backlash from Opposition Leaders
- Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said “all options are on the table” as the Opposition plans its next steps.
- Labour leader Ivana Bacik described the events as "farcical", voicing deep concern over the Government’s actions.
- Labour TD Duncan Smith accused the Government of “ramming through” the decision, calling it a disgraceful end to the meeting.
Government Calls for an End to the Dispute
- Fine Gael TD Barry Ward argued that the Dáil “is not functioning properly”, pointing out that committees have yet to be set up due to the ongoing dispute.
- He described the Opposition’s withdrawal of pairing arrangements as "theatrics", adding that the public does not want this kind of political deadlock.
