Opposition leaders seek 'urgent meeting' with Taoiseach ahead of Dáil speaking rights showdown
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. File Picture: Leah Farrell/ RollingNews.ie
Opposition leaders are seeking "an urgent meeting" with the Taoiseach ahead of this week's showdown on Dáil speaking rights.
The row over speaking rights has rumbled on since the formation of the Government and led to a delay in the election of Micheál Martin as Taoiseach and the formation of a Dáil Reform Committee which ended in acrimony between government and opposition before St Patrick's Day.
TDs are set to vote on changes to the Dáil’s rules next week, with the Government’s proposals seeking to add new questioning slots to coalition backbenchers, as well as Michael Lowry’s Regional Independents. A motion on the change is to go before the Dáil on Tuesday, before a full vote on the proposal on Wednesday evening.
In a tweet, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that the "government’s self-serving attempts to make unprecedented changes to how the Dáil works are unacceptable".
She said that the combined pposition has "put an alternative on the table which facilitates speaking time for government TDs including Michael Lowry’s group and preserves democratic integrity of the Dáil".
"You cannot be in government and opposition at the same time. Accepting this democratic norm is essential for our system to work," she added.
The letter reads:
"As Leaders of the Combined Opposition we are seeking an urgent meeting with you and An Tánaiste Simon Harris.
"Your commitment placed on the record of the Dáil on 23rd January must be honoured. Your commitment that any change to Standing Orders would be done in agreement with the Opposition was accepted in good faith. It is disappointing and unacceptable that you have moved away from this agreed position.
"Last month your representatives at the Dáil Reform Committee collapsed the process that was underway to resolve these issues. You are now attempting to force through a motion bringing unprecedented changes to Standing Orders, which will turn democracy on its head.
"The Combined Opposition has tabled an amendment which would facilitate appropriate speaking opportunities for government TDs, including the Michael Lowry Group. Our proposal is a fair and reasonable compromise which crucially preserves the normal democratic processes of the Dáil.
"You cannot be in government and opposition at the same time, these democratic distinctions must be recognised and accepted by government for our system to work.
"We look forward to your immediate response.
"Is sinne, "Mary Lou McDonald, Ivana Bacik, Cian O’Callaghan, Richard Boyd Barrett and Michael Collins"
There were terse exchanges in the Dáil last week over the plan, with Sinn Féin accusing the Coalition of doing nothing while the Oireachtas remains in “cold storage”.
In particular, criticism was levied due to the lack of Oireachtas committees, which are yet to be formed amid the speaking row.
The Taoiseach, however, suggested work can continue without committees, with legislation instead being entirely scrutinised within the Dáil and Seanad.
