The row over speaking rights, which has dominated the Dáil since its return, reflects badly on Irish parliamentary politics and will damage people’s perception of how it operates. It has been an embarrassing episode, made worse by Tuesday’s chaotic scenes and the behaviour of some deputies.
While it protests, the Government did pull a stroke by trying to come up with speaking time arrangements favourable to the Rural Independents. The Opposition, meanwhile, having made their objections and previously drawn some concessions from the Government had no need to engage in further disruption on Tuesday.
The Opposition have said, with some justification, that the new speaking rights arrangements offer the Rural Independents the opportunity of " being in government and in opposition at the same time”. The Government has argued that the Opposition will not lose any time for its own questions. But it has been apparently trying to deliver on a deal reached in Coalition negotiations which it should never have agreed to in the first place.
The Opposition were highly critical on Tuesday of the handling of yesterday’s Dáil business by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy and it is clear that the fall-out will rumble on. However, both sides need to ensure that normal Dáil business can now resume immediately.
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The row has dominated business and delayed the formation of committees. And there are more important things to be discussing. The State is faced with an imminent threat of tariffs from the US, which could have major implications for jobs and taxes. The housing crisis continues to deepen and there are vital policy issues lying ahead on climate, health, education, immigration and more. Yesterday’s scene will not sit well with those worried about their jobs, or being able to buy a house.
A line now needs to be drawn under this. It has made the Dáil look out of touch with the concerns of voters. It is time to get on with it, though the lack of an agreement between Government and Opposition on how this Dáil will operate does not bode well for its smooth and efficient operation.
