Regional Independent Group Not Recognised As Technical Group By Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy

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The Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy last night issued a decision that she will not recognise the Regional Independent Group(RIG) led by North Tipperary TD Michael Lowry as a technical group in a bid to defuse a row about Dáil Speaking Time during Leaders Questions and Priority Questions. 

It means that the group of six TDs which now includes South Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath cannot contribute to Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil every week where opposition parties hold the Government to account. The Dáil is due to resume tomorrow and needs to pass legislation to authorise the increase from 20 to 23 Minister of State positions. The Taoiseach also needs to nominate the 11 selections for appointment to the Seanad at the Government’s discretion to enable the Seanad to be able to operate – these will be split 6 Fianna Fáil and 5 Fine Gael.

The Government Chief Whip Mary Butler is to meet today with opposition parties ahead of the return of the Dáil tomorrow. Deputy Lowry is yet to respond to the latest ruling by the Ceann Comhairle which Ms Murphy says is based on new legal advice and submissions from various Dáil members.