Motion of no confidence facing Ceann Comhairle

Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett faces the prospect of a motion of no confidence in the Dáil after he was accused of stymieing efforts by TDs to scrutinise Irish Water legislation.

Heated debate over the legislation for water charges kickstarted a row yesterday which resulted in Independent TD and former minister Róisín Shortall being expelled from the chamber.

Angered opposition TDs last night said they were considering tabling a motion of no confidence in Mr Barrett next week, before the Dáil rises for Christmas.

But the Oireachtas signalled that any attempt at such a motion may be disallowed under Dáil rules.

Ms Shortall said she and other TDs had been trying unsuccessfully to get answers from Environment Minister Alan Kelly in the last two days on the financing of Irish Water, specifically the total cost of water grants for homes.

Ms Shortall then accused the Ceann Comhairle of “shutting down” the debate, of “protecting the minister”, and “silencing” the Dáil.

Mr Barrett said: “I totally reject Ms Shortall’s allegation that I am presiding over a charade. I have allowed every deputy who wishes to speak to an amendment to do so and I have not interfered or interrupted anyone.”

Mr Barrett then suspended Ms Shortall from the Dáil after she refused to withdraw her remarks or sit down.

Speaking afterwards, she said: “We’re considering the best way to deal with this, because debate has got to the point of farce many times recently in the Dáil.

“It is the role of parliament to hold the Government to account and we’re been stymied in our attempts to do that.”

She also said he had “not acted impartially” on important occasions.

The Technical Group of Independents yesterday said they were considering a motion of no confidence next week. Any motion is likely to be backed by Sinn Féin. Party leader Gerry Adams recently said he had no confidence in Mr Barrett after a separate Dáil row.

Fianna Fáil said its support for a motion would need to be considered by all TDs and senators. TD Timmy Dooley said: “Concern has been raised in recent weeks about the way in which our parliament works.”

The Oireachtas said the role of Mr Barrett was to ensure members adhere to Dáil rules when making their contributions. A spokeswoman also said any motion of no confidence must be taken in private members’ time and with four days’ notice. This means the prospect of one taking place next week could be unlikely.

Meanwhile, Ervia, the parent company of Irish Water, has signalled that its potential to borrow money has been strengthened after an agency upgraded its rating of the company.

Standard & Poor’s said Ervia stated that there was a “high likelihood” now that the Government would provide “extraordinary support in the event of financial distress” for the company.