Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Peter Mathews and Lucinda Creigton. Laura Hutton / Photocall Ireland

Reform Alliance members want appointments to Oireachtas committees

They’ve got speaking time but they want more…

MEMBERS OF THE newly-formed Reform Alliance have put down a motion calling for additional places to be added to certain Oireachtas committees.

The self-labelled ‘exiled’ members of Fine Gael have looked for appointments to specific groups in a motion set out in today’s Order Paper.

TD Denis Naughten told TheJournal.ie last night that they want the government to follow the example of the Ceann Comhairle and provide members not aligned to any particular political grouping a place on the committees.

In a surprise move, Seán Barrett granted the 12 TDs who have lost the Labour and Fine Gael party whip since taking office speaking time on government business for this Dáil session.

It was a development welcomed by the Reform Alliance, which includes Lucinda Creighton, Peter Mathews, Terence Flanagan and Billy Timmins, as well as Naughten.

The motion put down today – but which the TDs cannot actually move – asks for five committees to be expanded by one place each.

Creighton is seeking an appointment to the Committee on Public Accounts, while Mathews would like his place back on the Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Committee.

Timmins has looked to be appointed to the Foreign Affairs and Trade group and Flanagan wants on the Environment, Culture and Gaeltacht Committee.

Finally, Naughten has sought a place on the Agriculture Committee.

It will ultimately be the government’s decision if the requests will be granted.

It is understood the decision to grant Dáil speaking rights to the group was taken solely by the Ceann Comhairle. It came in the wake of reported disagreements between Barrett and government over a lack of consultation on Dáil reform proposals announced last week and a row over the appointment of a new clerk of Dáil Éireann to succeed to the retired Kieran Coughlan.

Like politics? Then why not ‘Like’ TheJournal.ie Politics on Facebook to keep up to date with all that’s happening in and outside of Leinster House.

Related: ‘Exiled’ party members granted speaking rights in Dáil

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
24 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Mc Carthy
    Favourite Frank Mc Carthy
    Report
    Dec 7th 2024, 7:44 PM

    Congratulations Muster, a cracking performance all over the pitch…easily the most attacking rugby I’ve seen from Muster in a while….ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

    98
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Uí Braonáin
    Favourite Uí Braonáin
    Report
    Dec 7th 2024, 8:40 PM

    Unreal performance from O Mahony. What a skillset – he was everywhere. Man’s getting better with age.

    80
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute noel healy
    Favourite noel healy
    Report
    Dec 7th 2024, 8:44 PM

    @Uí Braonáin: Totally agree. People have said for 2-3 years about dropping him. He’s actually better since captaincy was taken from him. I’d still worry for Munster though. Looked lost when Stade went down to 13.

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jofus Soap
    Favourite Jofus Soap
    Report
    Dec 7th 2024, 7:51 PM

    Btw after one of them lads creased O’Maho just a minute later in the melee after the Casey somersault spear tackle one of them opened O’Maho’s head with a sly elbow

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry Campbell
    Favourite Gerry Campbell
    Report
    Dec 7th 2024, 10:05 PM

    @Jofus Soap: Might have something to do with him choking the life out of his teammate, just saying..

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Lynch
    Favourite Joe Lynch
    Report
    Dec 8th 2024, 10:54 AM

    I thought O’ Mahony was the best player by a country mile. He was incredible from a Leinster fan.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mies Valkenburg
    Favourite Mies Valkenburg
    Report
    Dec 8th 2024, 2:52 PM

    Great performance but who dreamt up that hideous looking kit they were wearing?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Me Me
    Favourite Me Me
    Report
    Dec 8th 2024, 5:53 PM

    @Mies Valkenburg: Agreed. Like something that’s come out of a boil wash.

    3
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds