Independent Ireland Leader Welcomes "Common Sense" Ceann Comhairle’s Ruling on Regional Technical Group

Monday, 3rd February 2025

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins has welcomed the ruling by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy that the Regional Group cannot form a Dáil technical group for the purposes of speaking rights. The decision reaffirms the integrity of the parliamentary process and ensures that speaking rights in the Dáil are fairly allocated to genuine opposition voices.

Deputy Collins, who has consistently worked alongside other opposition in the business committee dealing with the issue TDs to hold the Government to account, said:

"This is the right decision and one that reinforces the fundamental principle that opposition speaking rights should be reserved for those who are genuinely in opposition. The attempt by government-aligned deputies to circumvent this was an insult to the opposition, and I would go so far as to say an insult to democracy and I welcome the fact that this has now been addressed. It was as simple case of these TDs wanting to have their cake and eat it, and it went against all logic, fairness and also public opinion"

The ruling confirms that Deputies Michael Lowry, Gillian Toole, Barry Heneghan, and Danny Healy-Rae are not in opposition as required under Standing Order 170. As a result, the Ceann Comhairle has refused to recognise the Regional Group as a technical group, preventing them from availing of speaking time designated for the opposition.

Deputy Collins added:

"This ruling ensures that the TDs who have consistently challenged Government policy will continue to have their rightful voice in the Dáil. I have always worked with true opposition voices to demand real change on key issues such as housing, healthcare, rural development, and the rising cost of living. This decision protects the integrity of that role."

Deputy Collins has reiterated Independent Ireland's commitment to working constructively with opposition colleagues and putting forward solutions.