Call for 'ceasefire' between Government and opposition ahead of Ireland taking on EU presidency

MEP Billy Kelleher called for restoration of pairing arrangements between Government and opposition TDs to allow for ministers to attend meetings in Europe

Much of the opposition withdrew pairing arrangements last year in the bitter row over Dáil speaking time. File picture: Maxwell's

A Cork MEP has called for a "ceasefire" between the opposition and Government ahead of Ireland taking on the EU presidency later this year.

Members of Government parties have raised concern in recent weeks a lack of pairing arrangements could harm the ability of ministers to attend meetings as Ireland takes on the six-month presidency.