Ceann Comhairle says he has no role in expansion of Dáil technical group

Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett has said the composition of the Dáil technical group should be raised with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and not in the Dáil chamber.

The technical group is opposing a move by Independent TD Lucinda Creighton and three other members of the Reform Alliance to join it to get more speaking time in the Dáil.

The matter was raised yesterday by Independent TD Catherine Murphy, who is a member of the group. She asked if there was a change to standing orders to allow the expansion of the technical group.

Mr Barrett said there would be no change to the relevant standing order, adding that he had earlier written to Ms Murphy on the issue. "It explains the exact position,'' he added. "The chair has no role."

Mr Barrett said the Dáil chamber was not the place to raise the issue. When Ms Murphy said it was, the Ceann Comhairle said he would discuss the issue with her in his office later.

Mr Barrett said that as far as he was concerned, what appeared in the newspapers yesterday was totally and utterly incorrect. “First, I had no hand, act or part in two new members applying for membership of the technical group,” he added. “It is not my role.”

Mr Barrett said the standing orders set out how a technical group could or could not be formed. “Any changes to that are a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and then it is a matter for the Dáil to decide on,” he added.

Ms Murphy asked if there had been any change to the standing orders. “There has been no change,” said Mr Barrett. Ms Murphy said she would take up the invitation to discuss the matter later with Mr Barrett.