Deal may let North's MPs speak in Dáil

Northern Ireland’s MPs and MEPs are to be given the chance to take part in debates in the Dáil if a comprehensive peace process deal is struck in the coming week, it was claimed today.

Sources said the North's 18 MPs and three MEPs will be given speaking rights in the Dáil should a deal be achieved to revive power-sharing and put IRA weapons beyond use.

A source said: “It looks like the issue of Northern representation in the Dáil is on offer. They will be given the opportunity to attend at least twice a year. However, Assembly members are not included in the offer.”

Northern Ireland talks are currently poised delicately with the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Féin under pressure to sign up to proposals from the Irish and British governments to resolve all problems in the peace process.