Wallace request to address Dáil is denied

Independent TD Mick Wallace has been refused permission to address the Dáil tomorrow to explain his non-payment of a VAT settlement with Revenue, and has stepped down as a member of the technical group.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett has denied the request on the basis it does not fall within the rules cited by Mr Wallace.

Mr Wallace admitted last week he has made a €2.1m settlement with Revenue for non-payment of VAT, but he says the money is unlikely to ever be paid as his company is insolvent.

This morning he made a request of the Ceann Comhairle to allow him use Standing Order 44-1 of the Dáil to make a personal statement in the house tomorrow afternoon.

The Wexford TD had signalled his intention to use that statement to clarify his position in relation to taxation issues, and how he proposed to continue to serve as a Dáil deputy.

But it has been confirmed the Ceann Comhairle has now written back to Mr Wallace denying the request.

It is understood Seán Barrett has told Mr Wallace the standing order he quoted does not allow for the issue to be dealt with.

What remains unclear is if it is open to Mr Wallace to use another section of the standing orders to make a fresh request.

It is also understood the Members Interests committee of the Oireachtas may decide to launch an inquiry into his affairs, and in particular whether Mr Wallace made any attempt to repay the tax due since he was elected last year.

UPDATE 2.20pm: A statement from the Dáil's Technical Group has announced Deputy Wallace will "step back voluntarily" from the group.

The group has also requested Deputy Wallace be given Dáil time by the Government in which to make a statement on his tax affairs.

Grou chairman Finian McGrath said Deputy Wallace made the right decision to stand aside.

"I welcome the fact that Mick is now saying he is going to be accountable to the Dáil," Deputy McGrath said.

"I also welcome the fact that he is stepping back from the technical group, so as to ensure the integrity and the protection of the technical group as a group in Dáil Éireann."