The controversial new standing orders in the Dáil mean that the Regional Independent Group(RIG), of which North Tipperary TD Michael Lowry is a member, will be able to ask questions of the Taoiseach Micheál Martin for the first time today.
The Dáil passed the Government’s motion of confidence in the Ceann Comhairle last night by 96 votes to 71. The two Aontu TDs abstained with the view that both the Government and Opposition had behaved badly in relation to the dispute. Deputy Michael Lowry describes the Vote of Confidence in Verona Murphy as a significant victory for democracy.
The controversy over granting the members of the RIG that are not Ministers of State special Dáil time has left relations between the Government and the 5 Opposition Groups at rock bottom. The Ceann Comhairle was not in the chair for the Vote but did Chair the next session and says that she will hold no grudge against anyone and will rule without fear or favour. The RIG had sought her appointment as part of the deal to support the Government led by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Apart from her appointment and the five Minister of State positions it is understood that the RIG Group secured policy concessions in the Programme for Government and possibly commitments on constituency issues although no details of the agreement have been published. The Government implemented new legislation to allow for the creation and funding of the extra Ministerial positions.
