Laois TD Brian Stanley has welcomed Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy’s decision in relation to the row over Dail speaking rights.
Last month, the Dail was suspended and the election of Taoiseach delayed following a row over the Regional Independents looking to form a technical group and speak as an opposition group in the chamber.
That is despite the fact that they are also supporting the government and some hold positions such as Ministers of State.
Last night, the Ceann Comhairle announced that the group could not form and be allowed speaking rights.
She said: “I have decided that the Group are not eligible for recognition under Standing Order 170.”
The Ceann Comhairle said she was not satisfied that Deputies Michael Lowry, Gillian Toole, Barry Heneghan and Danny Healy-Rae are members “in Opposition” as required by Standing Order 170.
“I therefore cannot accord recognition as a technical group to the Regional Technical Group,” she said.
Deputy Brian Stanley said “I welcome the decision from the Ceann Comhairle which allows us to get on with the business that we have been elected to do, to represent our constituencies and deal with Dail legislation.
“We have had a ludicrous situation for the last couple of weeks, with a group of four government ministers, and four others from the Regional Independent Group who negotiated a program for government, trying to be in opposition and in government at the same time.
“They have claimed credit for having their proposals included in the program for government, voted to elect the cabinet ministers and Taoiseach and pledged publicly to support that government for the next five years.
“To then claim that they could somehow be part of the opposition and use opposition speaking time in the Dail, was an attempt to stand logic and democracy on its head.
“It is great that common sense has prevailed and that Dail rules have been upheld. We now need to get on with the job.”
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