Government Chief Whip Mary Butler has begun discussions on amending Dáil standing orders to ensure all TDs, including Independent members who support the Government, have the right to speak in the chamber.
The move follows Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy’s ruling that the Regional Independent Group’s four TDs cannot form a technical group. The decision means Danny Healy-Rae, Barry Heneghan, Gillian Toole, and Michael Lowry are left without formal speaking rights, prompting calls for reform.
While the group had sought to position itself on the opposition benches while backing the Government, it has now conceded that forming a technical group is not an option. Instead, they are pressing for rule changes that would guarantee them speaking time.
Michael Lowry insists that the Government must find a way to accommodate what he describes as "supportive Independents," arguing they are currently caught in a political "no man’s land."
Discussions, led by Butler and senior party leaders, aim to strike a balance between maintaining parliamentary procedure and ensuring fair representation for all TDs.
