Republican News · Thursday 10 October 2002

SF, Greens and independents form Dáil Technical Group

TDs from the Green Party, Sinn Féin and Independents, including the Socialist Party, on Wednesday formed a Technical Group in the Dáil in order to secure proper recognition in terms of speaking time and facilities in Leinster House.

The six Green TDs, the five Sinn Féin TDs and 11 Independent Deputies have written to the Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, formally requesting recognition as a Group as provided for under Dáil Standing Order 114.

In a joint statement, Trevor Sargent, Leader of the Green Party/Comhaontas Glas,

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Dáil Leader of Sinn Féin, and Tony Gregory, representing the Independents, said:

"We have made every effort to press the government to make the necessary changes in Standing Orders so that all parties and all deputies can be treated with fairness. Despite our efforts the government has dug in its heels and maintained the present unfair system as far as Dáil rules are concerned.

"Having exhausted the negotiation process and having raised the issue in the Dáil chamber on many occasions, we now have no choice but to form a Technical Group. The Group is being formed so that the mandates of our parties and of the Independent deputies can be properly exercised in the Dáil. Each party and each non-party deputy will maintain their independence and identity."