Row over Dáil sitting as TDs say they won't attend in support of public sector strike
A derogation for Leinster House staff had been granted by unions during the current work-to-rule period to allow them to work beyond normal working hours. File Picture
A row has erupted over whether the Dáil should sit next Wednesday, which could see ministers cross a picket line at Leinster House.
A meeting of the Business Committee ended without agreement on Thursday after opposition members made it clear that they will not attend the Dáil during next week’s day of national action, when teachers and other public sector workers will down tools.
Sinn Féin's Pádraig Mac Lochlainn told the meeting that his party would not be attending and that it would be unfair to expect party staff to cross a picket line to attend work.
Labour's Duncan Smith also “forcefully” raised the issue during the meeting, calling on Government chief whip Mary Butler to reconsider.
However, it is understood that Ms Butler is “adamant” that the Dáil should sit on Wednesday.
A derogation for Leinster House staff had been granted by unions during the current work-to-rule period to allow them to work beyond normal working hours when the Dáil is sitting late into the night.
Advice is now being sought by the Houses of the Oireachtas on what exemptions might be made for next week.
It is understood that, at one stage during what was a robust discussion, the clerk of the Dáil suggested that senior civil servants working in Leinster House, who will not be striking, could step in to staff the Dáil chamber.
The suggestion was described as being a “red rag to a bull”.
Business for next week could not be agreed, as Wednesday is usually set aside for weekly votes.
If a decision is made not to sit next Wednesday, the voting block would have to move to another day.
The committee will meet again on Monday in a bid to find a solution. However, one member suggested that several meetings may be required.
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