Opposition downplays lack of pairing arrangements in Dáil

Pairing may not be needed during Ireland's presidency of the Council of the EU given the Government's 20-plus majority

Pairing is typically arranged between a government and the opposition in the case of ministerial absences from the Dáil to allow those ministers miss votes if they are on government business. Picture: Houses of Oireachtas

Opposition politicians have downplayed the idea of ministers being unable to attend EU meetings later this year due to a lack of pairing arrangements.

Pairing arrangements are typically arranged between a government and the opposition in the case of ministerial absences from the Dáil to allow government ministers miss votes if they are on government business.