Dáil suspended amid row over speaking rights

A row in the Dáil over speaking time for independent TDs saw business for the day suspended as three deputies were ordered out of the chamber.

Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett was accused of “undermining” the speaking time and rights of the Technical Group, which is made up of 17 Independent TDs.

The dispute comes after the group was told that two former Fine Gael TDs, Lucinda Creighton and Peter Mathews, would now be allowed join the Technical Group, which will reduce the shared speaking time among its other members. Another independent TD, Mattie McGrath, has also been allowed join.