Regional Independent TD Michael Lowry said he had “not an opinion in the world” on the Opposition’s decision to walk out during the new ‘Other Members’ Dáil speaking slot, adding that it “doesn’t matter what they do.”
Speaking to Gript, Lowry emphasised that his group’s focus was on continuing parliamentary work regardless of the actions taken by Opposition TDs.
“It doesn’t matter what they do,” he said.
“We’ll just get on with business of running the country. Our group is going to continue to focus now on Dáil business and ensuring that legislation that need attention will be dealt with in the Dáil.”
The remarks follow the introduction of revised Dáil standing orders, which allows Government backbenchers, Regional Independent TDs, many of whom support the Government, and others, to directly question the Government. This has proven controversial, as members of the Opposition claim it is allowing Government to scrutinise itself.
Earlier today, TDs from Sinn Féin, Labour, People Before Profit-Solidarity, and Independent Ireland left the chamber just as Independent TD Carol Nolan began her question on special education places in Offaly, leaving the Dáil largely empty.
Many Deputies subsequently returned to the chamber once the speaking slot had ended.
Meanwhile, Labour Party TD and Deputy Whip Conor Sheehan explained to Gript that his party decided to leave the chamber because they viewed the new speaking arrangement as a “complete charade.”
“Quite simply our views on it are fairly well known, and that’s why,” he said.
“Myself and my Labour colleagues decided to walk out because we thought what’s the point in being there to facilitate this charade?”
Sheehan further outlined his stance, stating that although he did not favour disrupting Dáil proceedings, walking out was the best way to demonstrate opposition.
“I’ve no interest in any disruption or disrupting Dáil proceedings—it’s not my style anyway,” he said.
“But I just didn’t see the point in being there for it. And I thought that was the best way to make my views known.”
Asked whether the walkout would continue, Sheehan confirmed his intention not to remain in the chamber during the new speaking slot.
“I have no intention of sitting there for it anyway,” he said.
A Sinn Féin spokesperson described the party’s walkout as “orderly and dignified,” confirming they “definitely” will not stay during the new question time.
People Before Profit-Solidarity plans never to attend the sessions, urging other Opposition groups to follow suit.
Similarly, Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins stated the group does not want to witness “Government TDs asking the Government questions, as if they were Opposition.”