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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

AAA-PBP Leaders’ Questions access

Summary

Mick Barry objects that AAA-PBP has been excluded from Leaders’ Questions and rejects participation only as a technical group; the Tánaiste says Dáil reform should address the issue.

I wish to make a brief point on behalf of the AAA-PBP regarding the Order of Business. Our grouping has not been included in Leaders' Questions this week nor are we included for next week. I understand this is because the House is currently operating on the basis of what we would call the old Standing Orders. We have been offered the facility of a technical group as an opportunity to contribute under Leaders' Questions. However, we are here as AAA-PBP rather than as a technical group and that offer is not satisfactory. It has been explained to us that the new arrangements arising from the Sub-Committee on Dáil Reform will be in place the week after next and we welcome that. We feel that to be fair to all sides of the House this change is necessary and that provision for it must be in place by the end of next week so that we start fresh the week after next with our full rights and entitlements in the House.

Comment on this

We are operating on Standing Orders dating from 2002, but I understand the issue the Deputy has raised will be addressed by the proposals and work done on Dáil reform. I am sure the Ceann Comhairle can confirm that work is ongoing to deal with the points the Deputy has raised.

Comment on this