Government to propose amendments to standing orders in bid to solve speaking time row

The Dáil Reform Committee is meeting to resolve disputes over speaking time among TDs, particularly regarding the Regional Independent Group. While some members find the discussions constructive, others argue progress is lacking. Members are set to receive constitutional advice in their upcoming meetings. Tipperary TD Michael Lowry expressed concern over the lack of speaking opportunities, while government TDs noted the imbalance in speaking time for backbenchers. Opposition members criticized the diversion into backbench issues, arguing it complicates reaching a consensus on the matter at hand.

"Some smaller parties have more speaking time than the larger parties and as a result backbenchers being in government, they have less time to speak."

"Whether that can be accommodated or not [in the reforms], that remains to be seen."

Read at Irish Independent