The first meeting of the Dáil Reform Group, established to address a row over Dáil speaking time, ended without a resolution. Independent TD Michael Lowry insists his group, despite four members supporting the government, should be recognized as an Opposition technical group. The Government parties support this position, but the Opposition disagrees with the interpretation of Dáil standing orders.
There are disputed accounts also as to whether Independent TD Michael Lowry and Sinn Féin’s Pádraig Mac Lochlainn shook hands over a claimed ‘deal’
The ad-hoc committee will examine the situation where the four Regional Independent TDs who do not hold ministerial office want to become part of an Opposition technical group. Mr Lowry has argued that such an arrangement is allowed under standing orders of the Dáil. The Opposition has said the standing orders state designated technical groups must draw their members from Independent TDs who are “members in opposition”.
Elsewhere, there continues to be a dispute between the parties around the circumstances of a key meeting involving party whips on Wednesday including who shook whose hand at its conclusion.
DÁIL OPPOSITION GOVERNMENT SPEAKING TIME LOWRY
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