Mary Regan

Political Reporter

There were chaotic scenes in the Dáil last week amid the row over speaking rights

Deep division remains over Dáil speaking row

The Opposition and Government parties remain deeply divided over the issue of Dáil speaking rights for some Independent TDs who are supporting the coalition.

Politics • 31 Jan

The Dáil is set to reconvene tomorrow to elect the new government

Incoming govt caught off guard amid day of high emotion

It was an extraordinary twist in the tale. Micheál Martin, whose political longevity has been attributed to an unrivalled ability to see around corners, has had his election as Taoiseach stymied by an unforeseen calamity.

Analysis and Comment • 22 Jan

Members of the Regional Independents Group (L-R) Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Noel Grealish, Gillian Toole, Michael Lowry, Marian Harkin, Barry Heneghan, Sean Canney (Image: RollingNews.ie)

Explained: Technical groups and Dáil speaking rights

Dáil rules - or standing orders - are not something that would usually generate much interest, but conflicting interpretations of the rules are now at the centre of the first major political row of the new Dáil.

Politics • 21 Jan

It will be proposed that after tomorrow's sitting, when Micheál Martin is expected to be elected as Taoiseach and ministers will be appointed, the Dáil will be adjourned until 5 February

Sinn Féin to oppose plans to adjourn Dáil for two weeks

Sinn Féin will oppose what it called "disgraceful" plans to adjourn the Dáil for a full two weeks after the Government is formally elected tomorrow.

Politics • 21 Jan

The dispute will have to be adjudicated on by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy

Independents' 'outrageous' bid for opposition Dáil rights

One foot in and one foot out. Even the celebrities performing the Quick Step on Dancing with the Stars would find the pirouette of the Regional Independents hard to follow.

Analysis and Comment • 16 Jan

New laws to allow for the increase in junior ministers are expected to be brought forward in the first day or two of the government being in place

Incoming govt to have record number of junior ministers

The incoming government is to create three additional minister of state roles, bringing the number to a record high of 23.

Ireland • 16 Jan

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will put the draft programme before members for ratification

Row breaks out over Independents' bid for technical group

A major row has broken out after Michael Lowry, Danny Healy Rae and other Independents have asked to sit on the opposition benches for the purposes of Dáil speaking rights - a day after agreeing to the Programme for Government.

Politics • 16 Jan

The document proposes to review the sentencing of those involved in the supply of drugs 'reflects the devastation and destruction that those drugs impose on our communities'

Govt pledges 'health-led approach' to drug addiction

Those found in possession of drugs for personal use will be diverted to the health services, under the new Programme for Government.

Politics • 15 Jan

There is some hope among those involved in talks, that a draft programme for government will be in place by the middle of this week

Govt formation talks ongoing between FF, FG, Independents

Talks aimed at having a government in place by the next Dáil sitting on 22 January are continuing.

Ireland • 12 Jan

Norma Foley said there is an 'absolute determination' among all those involved to agree a programme for government

FF, FG 'doing all they can' to form govt by 22 January

Minister for Education Norma Foley has said negotiators from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are "doing all they can" to put in place a government by 22 January.

Politics • 11 Jan