Commenting tonight on the Ceann Comhairle’s ruling that the Regional Group cannot form a Dáil technical group for the purposes of speaking rights, Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan said:
“This is a significant ruling and confirms what Opposition parties have been saying from the outset.
“Government backbenchers cannot masquerade as members of the Opposition in a cynical attempt to avail of Opposition speaking rights.
“In reaching her decision, the Ceann Comhairle put great weight behind the words of members of the Lowry Independents – who publicly stated they were part of the Government. She saw through their belated attempt to rewrite history, and claim to be in Opposition, as the brazen sham it was.
“Hopefully this will now put an end to this issue and the Dáil can focus on the many pressing issues facing the country. All parties – Government and Opposition – should accept this ruling.”
February 3, 2025